Barcelona maintained their connection with Girona and Real Madrid on Wednesday evening, but the manner in which they did so did not bring smiles. The struggling Almería, at the bottom with five points and still without a win, was pushed aside with great difficulty: 3-2. Coach Xavi Hernández was not pleased with his team.
Xavi Hernández, the head coach of FC Barcelona and a former world-class player, expressed deep dissatisfaction with his team's performance, especially during the first half of their recent match.
The team, struggling to maintain its elite status in La Liga, went into halftime tied at 1-1, a scoreline that did not reflect the high standards expected at Barcelona. Xavi's critical remarks underscore the team's current challenges and the stark contrast to the Barcelona team of 2010, known for its dominant, aggressive playstyle and ability to win crucial duels.
The coach emphasized the need for passion and commitment, stating that without these elements, the team could not achieve its goals. His comparison to the 2010 team, which he was a part of, highlights a lack of similar individual qualities in the current squad. This admission is a candid reflection on the team's current capabilities and the gap that exists between this team and the celebrated squads of Barcelona's past.
The situation in the locker room seemed equally tense, with reports from Mundo Deportivo suggesting that Xavi had a particularly harsh exchange with star player Robert Lewandowski. This incident, where Xavi allegedly criticized Lewandowski vehemently, indicates the level of frustration and high expectations within the team. The report of Xavi striking his tactics board in frustration further illustrates the intense pressure and the high stakes involved.
In the broader context of La Liga, Barcelona's position is precarious. They stand third, trailing behind Real Madrid and the unexpectedly strong Girona. This positioning puts significant pressure on the team as they end 2023 without achieving the desired results in their official matches. The gap in points with Real Madrid and Girona emphasizes the need for Barcelona to find a winning formula quickly.
As Barcelona looks ahead to 2023, the team's performance in La Liga will be critical. The next match against Las Palmas, scheduled for January 3rd, will be a crucial moment for Xavi and his squad. This match will not only set the tone for their performances in the new year but also be a test of whether the team can incorporate the passion and intensity that Xavi demands. The team, led by Frenkie de Jong and others, must find a way to channel the spirit of the successful Barcelona teams of the past while also forging a new identity that suits their current roster and capabilities. The coming weeks and months will be telling for Xavi's tenure and Barcelona's direction in both the Spanish league and the broader European football landscape.
