When Xavi took over as Barcelona’s manager following the dismissal of Ronald Koeman, there was a lot of optimism within the Blaugrana camp. It was believed that Xavi, having come up through La Masia and being a key player in the successful Barca and Spain teams, would bring the club back to the heights it achieved under Pep Guardiola.
Yet, after three seasons under Xavi, the club has struggled to achieve success and maintain consistency. Despite clinching the league title last season, Barcelona faced difficulties in European competitions and other domestic cups. This season, their challenges persist. The club is currently in a precarious situation, and the pressure on Xavi is steadily mounting.
Xavi talks on future at Barcelona
Xavi has shared his thoughts following weeks of turmoil and inconsistency at the club. The former Barcelona midfielder expressed that the club’s future looks promising, whether he is part of it or not. This reflection comes after Barcelona’s recent defeat to Athletic Bilbao in the Copa Del Rey, following Real Madrid’s elimination by Atletico Madrid just a few days prior.
Despite new signings, Xavi’s role at the club has faced intense scrutiny due to Barcelona’s struggles in recent seasons under his management. He acknowledged the pressure, stating, “If we’re not competing at the end of the season, then I will have to leave. We’re aiming to improve in LaLiga and make a deep run in the Champions League. However, I understand how it goes – when you lose, the coach takes the blame.”
These comments align with Xavi’s earlier statements, where he indicated his willingness to step down if the team fails to achieve significant trophy wins.
Barcelona knocked out of Copa Del Rey
Barcelona suffered a major upset against Athletic Bilbao, as the Blaugrana blew arguably their best chance of winning silverware this season as they lost 4-2 to the Los Leones. The Blaugrana had a disastrous start, conceding a goal from Gorka Guruzeta within the first 40 seconds.
Despite being under pressure, Robert Lewandowski managed to score against the run of play, equalizing for Barcelona. The team then took the lead with a remarkable strike from 16-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal from outside the box.
However, Bilbao managed to score the equalizer just 4 minutes into the second half against Xavi’s Barcelona. The game eventually went into extra time, where both the Williams brothers, Inaki and Nico, found the net, securing Bilbao’s passage to the semi-finals. This defeat in the Copa Del Rey for Barcelona follows a humiliating 4-1 loss to arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Supercopa final just days earlier.
Barcelona currently trails league leaders Girona by 8 points, and they are set to face Napoli in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
Should Xavi continue as Barcelona manager for the foreseeable future, or should the club look for alternatives? Let us know in the comments below!
