Growing Tensions at Barcelona: What’s Going Wrong with Xavi’s Management?
Barcelona finally decided to sever ties with Xavi Hernandez due to an unconvincing end to the season. ESPN recently published an article pointing out that a few participants of the Barcelona squad are not happy about the manner their coach is making selections, and there is scepticism regarding his judgment via a developing range. It is stated that despite having the backing of the Barcelona job, so many experts still heavily criticized his decisions during his time at the club. Here, Sports Buddy walks through those factors that cost Xavi his job at Barcelona
Questionable Tactical Decisions
One number one trouble is Xavi’s tactical approach. Some game experts evaluated that his strategies are either too inflexible or not properly-appropriate to the modern-day squad. The slender 3-2 victory to Almeria in December, which required a harsh halftime team speak, highlighted those tactical issues. Players believe his project plans lack flexibility, making it tough to adapt to.
Inconsistent Performances
Barcelona’s inconsistent performances this season have similarly fueled dissatisfaction. Despite the support of director Deco and President Joan Laporta, Xavi Hernandez still gets heavily criticized. The humiliating 4-1 defeat to Real Madrid inside the Spanish Super Cup very dealt Xavi a huge blow, underscoring the group’s struggles beneath his management.
Lack of a Central Defensive Midfielder
An essential problem Xavi’s led team failed to address is the presence of a protective midfielder. This position is important in modern-day football, and several top football institutions who understands this invest closely in it. For instance, Arsenal spent over €100 million on Declan Rice, Chelsea covered the space with Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and Romeo Lavia, a monumental fee close to about €300m and Manchester City has a profile like Rodri in their ranks.
While Barcelona has Frenkie de Jong, he cannot effectively play as a lone protecting midfielder. Asking De Jong to win duels and anchor the midfield on his own isn’t his superb feature. Xavi’s failure to invest in a actual crucial defensive midfielder has left a significant hole inside the squad.
Early Game Concentration Issues
Xavi’s led Barcelona have been renowned for going down early in games. This season, they have conceded three goals in the first minute of a game three times, more than they have in the past 18seasons combine.
What’s Next for Xavi Hernandez?
Earlier this season, Xavi signed a contract preserving him on the job till 2025. Given Barcelona’s monetary constraints, it is probably difficult to get rid of him earlier than his settlement expires. Despite having to deal with the tactical inflexibility, communication troubles, and the critical hole within the midfield to regain the complete assist of his squad and repair Barcelona to its former glory, at the same time Xavi’s tenure at Barcelona has proven promise, terrific regions need development. Addressing the lack of a important shielding midfielder, improving early interest, and fostering a greater resilient institution spirit could have been instrumental to him keeping his job.
