Barcelona captain stands off against Xavi – report

SEVILLE, SPAIN - JANUARY 21: Xavi, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Betis and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on January 21, 2024 in Seville, Spain.

Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images

The inner workings of FC Barcelona are not always left directly to the imagination. Being one of Europe’s premier clubs, it is no surprise to see the media and reports constantly trying to debase, expose, or even deface them. However, some reports regarding Barcelona hit too close to reality to ignore.

One of the biggest updates this season has been the irregularity of the Barça dressing room. Many reports have suggested that things are just as dysfunctional internally as they are on the field. Now, in the latest of reports, a very big bomb has been dropped to the public.

As addressed by Bar Canaletes, there is a stirring pot of insubordination within the Barcelona dressing room. Two players at the heart of this insubordination have been highlighted as being a certain Polish striker and a Barcelona captain who is ‘Blonde and Dutch’.

It does not take a genius to understand that the two players in question are Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie De Jong. According to the latest update, the incident took place in the Barça dressing room after the Unionistas victory in the Copa Del Ray.

After the game, Lewandowski reportedly called out Xavi for not fielding a ‘stronger eleven’ to face their opponents. The Pole’s reasoning behind this statement was that he believes that the Copa Del Ray is Barça’s most realistic shot at a title this season, and it should be treated as such.

To this, Xavi reportedly highlighted that him and his team had analyzed this game beforehand. For them, this was the best lineup to play this game and emerge with a positive result. However, that is when Frenkie De Jong reportedly chimed in as well:

“It isn’t the first time that (Xavi and his staff) have analyzed things wrong.”

These words are a clear indication of exactly how tense the workings of the dressing room currently are. To question the coach directly in such a manner, and by a captain no less, shows that Xavi may be losing his hold on his team and the dressing room.

However, the update further highlights how Joan Laporta, Rafa Yuste, and even Deco came to the locker room after this. Yet, instead of offering support, Deco reportedly was not too inclined on taking Xavi’s side. Things are already complicated on the field this season, and this is the last thing Barcelona need right now.