Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez appears to have run out of patience with his star players. While he has often criticised his players for making individual mistakes, on Wednesday night he was highly critical of their attitude, which started at half-time during their 3-2 win over Almeria.
Xavi called it the hardest team talk of his managerial career, and not only were his words harsh, his actions were strong, withdrawing Joao Felix and Andreas Christensen at half-time. That may cost him with President Joan Laporta, but the Portuguese was one of several to attract the ire of Xavi, and was sent a message.
As per MD, the Barcelona coach has ‘never been as brutal’ with his players as he was against Almeria. Repeatedly thumping his tactics board, Xavi called it a disgrace, and told his footballers that they could not simply turn up and ‘walk’ against Almeria at home. There were also individual recriminations, with Robert Lewandowski one of the ones to receive an earful.
It appeared to have an effect. The veteran Polish striker improved dramatically after the break, and while his finishing was still ineffective, it was his briliant assist for Sergi Roberto that won the match for Barcelona. That was one of several excellent interventions that created chances and space. It will be around two weeks before the true impact of Xavi’s hairdryer treament was effective though, when Las Palmas put them to the test after the Christmas break.
Hritangshu93
0
😒Bayern has always been Bayern. Pep is a good manager but his tactics never worked with us.
If you say so....I won't argue
Vitcdlnptu
5
Xavi is a good coach. Barca don’t have financial power to buy him the type of player he wants.
Supaceituy
1
•Xavi is clueless in how to coach his team in attack. If a team doesn't attack well, it's vulnerable in defense ('the best defense is attack') •The attackers and strikers don't seem to have a clear idea the defender such as Cancelo and Balde seem to be more lively in attack, Roberto too.
You talk sense
Virgin_Garzy
0
😒Bayern has always been Bayern. Pep is a good manager but his tactics never worked with us.
The bayern that looses 5:0 now and get kicked out of all league cups
wakmnorsz
0
This was necessary..... Xavi should have done it much before.... Guardiola does it week in week out.... even when his team is delivering..... that's what made him a successful manager.... that's why the teams he managed were so deadly.... first Barcelona then Bayern and now Manchester City
😒Bayern has always been Bayern. Pep is a good manager but his tactics never worked with us.
naubekuyz
5
Although lewy can’t score i can see him hitting for the goal feeling good for him i wish he will score a goal on the next game
Viydkmnruz
2
•Xavi is clueless in how to coach his team in attack. If a team doesn't attack well, it's vulnerable in defense ('the best defense is attack') •The attackers and strikers don't seem to have a clear idea the defender such as Cancelo and Balde seem to be more lively in attack, Roberto too.
I wonder why you don’t have the job
jonatzDjango
6
•Xavi is clueless in how to coach his team in attack. If a team doesn't attack well, it's vulnerable in defense ('the best defense is attack') •The attackers and strikers don't seem to have a clear idea the defender such as Cancelo and Balde seem to be more lively in attack, Roberto too.
P19
0
He did well cause I saw Lewa now holding bad playing one to one passes than in the pass even when we are in pressure they kick the ball to him just know opponent have taken it away from him and he will fall down start complaining
Hritangshu93
3
This was necessary..... Xavi should have done it much before.... Guardiola does it week in week out.... even when his team is delivering..... that's what made him a successful manager.... that's why the teams he managed were so deadly.... first Barcelona then Bayern and now Manchester City
Bodmasbodmas
0
Lewondowski is not upto mark at all. Xavi should benched him and he will start working hard
No sell him if possible and grab 💸 💵
Savage_02
1
The dude is old
Miubdkru
5
I keep saying that Xavi was too soft that's why every player plays what they want. A player will shoot anyhow, hold possession without passing to teammates, run with the ball into opponents, etc. He gat to be ruthless.
dibiostu
0
Anything that concerns Barcelona hahahavarrrrrrvarrrr Madrid must comment.. Y?
Miubdkru
0
Roberto should play striker 😂😂😂 over Lewatrash
Exactly
Miubdkru
0
Lewondowski is not upto mark at all. Xavi should benched him and he will start working hard
I agree with you 💯
MikaelGuerrer0
6
Roberto should play striker 😂😂😂 over Lewatrash
ANKHO33
6
Lewondowski is not upto mark at all. Xavi should benched him and he will start working hard
engineraph007
5
Have been expecting such reaction from xavi all this while,this player don't need pet talk,they need too talk straight into their brain,they are d reason for d bad performances,enough of xavi trying to cover their error