The FC Barcelona management continues to trust Xavi. This significant decision comes just after the humiliation of the Catalan club on Sunday in the Spanish Super Cup final (4-1) against Real Madrid.
The day ahead looks challenging in Barcelona today. On Sunday night, during the Spanish Super Cup final, Real Madrid dominated FC Barcelona, securing a victory with a score of 4-1. In this clash, the Merengues were markedly superior in all aspects of the game, further exacerbating the crisis that was already looming over FC Barcelona before this match.
Xavi’s Barcelona overwhelmed by Vinicius Jr
One year after winning the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid (3-1), FC Barcelona had the opportunity this Sunday to confirm its status as the favorite for its own succession. With 14 previous victories in this competition, the Catalans faced in-form Madridistas, undefeated for nearly four months. Unfortunately, the match did not unfold as expected, and the superiority of the opposing team prevailed despite expectations of a more balanced game. Xavi’s players were shaken from the start, facing the opponents’ attacks and suffering a logical 4-1 defeat.
Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, main threats from Madrid, quickly made their mark. In the 7th minute, the Brazilian opened the scoring with a pass from the Englishman, exploiting a faltering Barcelona defense. Three minutes later, taking advantage of a dubious offside, Vinicius scored again with an assist from Rodrygo. Although Barcelona created some situations, notably with Pedri and Gundogan, the revolt was short-lived. Lewandowski briefly revived hope with a superb volley, but Vinicius, in a state of grace, completed his hat-trick five minutes later from the penalty spot after a foul by Araujo in the box.
In the second half, hopes of a Barcelona comeback faded. Despite likely halftime admonitions from Xavi, the team failed to turn the tide. The Catalans conceded a fourth goal quickly, with Vinicius continuing to disorient the defense. Araujo was sent off for a foul on the Brazilian, illustrating his difficulty in containing the Madrid striker. Vinicius also played a role in Rodrygo’s goal, amplified by an unfortunate clearance from Koundé.
Xavi to remain in charge
If someone has been paying the price for some time, and this has intensified in recent hours, it’s Xavi. Although formerly protected by his legendary status at the club, the former Barcelona midfielder is now the first to be blamed when it comes to identifying the team’s problems. After yesterday’s match, many voices have again called for his resignation or dismissal, especially on social media, where the Barcelona fanbase believes he has lost control of his team and is not the right man for the job.
However, according to various Spanish media, such as Sport, the FC Barcelona management has full confidence in Xavi. Thus, no dismissal is planned, and the coach enjoys the trust of the executive committee, especially from President Joan Laporta. If a dismissal were to occur, it would not happen before the end of the season, when the club will assess the situation.
The management is not in favor of drastic changes during the season and continues to see Xavi as the ideal man to carry out the current project. These pieces of information were also confirmed by Deco, the club’s sporting director, on Movistar after the match: “The question of Xavi’s dismissal makes no sense. He still has the president’s and the sporting director’s trust; this defeat changes nothing.” Thus, for the time being, Xavi can rest easy.
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