It is not uncommon for figures within Barcelona to come under scrutiny or be challenged. For a club this big, in fact, it is almost an expectation at times. However, certain figures within Barcelona are often put under fire much more than others.
More often than not, it is usually the brash types or the ones that tend to speak up the most. Such figures are often under the spotlight when they seem to be walking a thin line between protesting and misbehaving.
Such as been the stance towards Xavi Hernandez, at least. As highlighted by SPORT, there are those in Madrid that are beginning to question the Barcelona coach’s approach and interactions with the referees in La Liga. Implying his brashness, they point towards his increasing tally of cards.
In totality, the Barcelona coach has taken on a lot of bookings since he has arrived back at the club. Since taking over after Ronald Koeman, Xavi has already accumulated 14 yellow cards and a red card as well while acting as Barcelona coach.
Typically, the Barça coach himself acknowledges it when he seems to lose his temper. Even after matches, when asked about similar incidents, Xavi seems quite self aware:
“I always talk, I am passionate, I protest, I get angry, I live the match… This has worked well for me and it’s hard to change.”
However, even leniency apparently has its limits. As per the words of Luis Medina Cantalejo, president of the Technical Committee of Referees, there is a clear expectation from coaches as well:
“The behavior during matches must be different. We reached an agreement with the coaching committee to be more lenient, to give a warning first. However, if the line is crossed, the referee should act decisively.”
While passion can definitely be a useful tool, it can also be a double-sided blade. With unnecessary suspensions becoming more and more common, it would perhaps be wise for those within Barcelona to avoid scraps with the match officials. Instead, Xavi should focus more on the Spanish Super Cup at hand. The competition presents La Blaugrana with their first real shot at silverware this season, something the coach will definitely hope to fight for.