Barcelona’s coach, Xavi, is facing criticism again after a not-so-great 2-1 win against Alaves. This isn’t new for him, as people questioned his coaching about a year ago too. Even though they won a trophy last season, people are still worried about how the team is doing and if Xavi can handle the challenges.
Individual Brilliance Saving the Day
Barcelona’s recent win over Alaves showcased a reliance on individual brilliance, with Robert Lewandowski rescuing the team with a second-half double. This victory, however, failed to mask the team’s overall poor performance, echoing a pattern seen in recent weeks.
Defensive Woes and Attacking Struggles
Barcelona’s defense, which was strong last season, is not doing well now. Also, the famous attackers they signed haven’t played as good as everyone thought. Right now, they are third in La Liga, and if Atletico Madrid wins their next game, Barcelona might drop to fourth place. Xavi has to fix the defense and make the attack better to keep the team’s position in the league.
Media Scrutiny and Manager’s Response
Xavi, usually composed, succumbed to addressing the media’s influence on his team’s performance. He attributed his players’ tension and subpar form to the relentless media scrutiny. While injuries have plagued Barcelona, Xavi emphasized the impact of media-created narratives, pointing out that stories affect the team’s mentality.
Injury Woes and Squad Management
Xavi rightly pointed out the significant injury toll his squad has endured, with key players like Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kounde, and Pedri spending time on the sidelines. Managing the return of injured players has proven challenging, with some rushed back too soon, impacting their performance.
Mistakes and Form of New Signings
The squad’s overall form, especially that of new signings like Oriol Romeu, Ilkay Gundogan, and Joao Felix, has fallen short of expectations. Defensive lapses and individual errors have cost Barcelona crucial points. Xavi faces the task of integrating new players effectively and addressing defensive vulnerabilities.
Tactical Rigidity
Xavi’s adherence to a specific tactical approach, the 4-4-2 formation, has been criticized. The manager’s reluctance to deviate from this system raises questions about adaptability. Despite the need for changes, Xavi seems committed to his principles, leaving fans wondering if tactical flexibility is on the horizon.
Crucial Fixtures and Sporting Director’s Support
With a challenging run of fixtures ahead, including Porto in the Champions League and league matches against Atletico Madrid and Girona, Xavi must quickly find solutions. Sporting director Deco has expressed support for Xavi, emphasizing the coach’s role in building the team’s project and learning from difficulties.
Conclusion
As Xavi approaches a critical juncture in his managerial career, the pressure mounts for Barcelona to address their on-field issues. The upcoming fixtures could define the team’s season and Xavi’s future. Whether the coach can implement changes, manage injuries effectively, and guide Barcelona to success remains uncertain, making the next few weeks crucial for the club and its iconic manager.
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