Barcelona’s head coach, Xavi Hernandez, is battling to maintain unity within the dressing room as discontent among a section of the first-team squad grows, according to insider sources.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández is facing a turbulent period as reports suggest a section of the first-team squad is losing faith in him.
The team’s 4-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa final intensified existing disillusionment that predates the Clásico loss in Saudi Arabia.
Several players have voiced concerns about the team’s approach and expressed annoyance over Xavi’s statement that they struggle to adapt to Barça’s style of play.
While opinions within the squad vary, some players feel Xavi hasn’t been consistently tough on certain team members.
Despite acknowledging the possibility of discontent within a 20-player squad, a source close to Xavi maintains that the coach believes the players are still with him.
Results this season have fallen short of expectations, but Xavi emphasizes his satisfaction with the team’s behavior and attitude.
A pivotal moment, labeled a “turning point,” occurred with a 3-2 win over Almeria before Christmas. Xavi revealed his harshest-ever halftime team talk during that match, which ended with an 83rd-minute winner from Sergi Roberto against LaLiga’s bottom club.
Doubts surfaced earlier in the season as Barça suffered defeats in LaLiga, including losses to Madrid and Girona, and setbacks in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk and Royal Antwerp.
While Xavi maintains a positive relationship with players, sources suggest uncertainty about his future, despite a recent contract renewal until 2025.
Financial constraints complicate the prospect of dismissing Xavi, and a lack of immediate replacements adds further challenges.
Barça’s sporting director, Deco, dismisses questioning Xavi’s future as “making no sense,” but insiders concede doubts persist.
Should Xavi depart before the season’s end, Barça Atletic coach Rafa Marquez emerges as president Joan Laporta’s preferred interim replacement.
Sunday’s defeat to Madrid accentuated recent poor performances, leaving Barcelona trailing eight points behind LaLiga leaders Girona and seven behind second-placed Madrid.
However, the team remains active in the Copa del Rey and Champions League, facing Unionistas de Salamanca and Napoli in the respective competitions.
Xavi, a Barcelona icon with over 20 years as a player, took charge in 2021, leading the club to its first league title since 2019 in his inaugural full season.
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