Barcelona are entering a crucial phase of their currently ongoing season. The Catalan giants are well aware of the liberties that have already been taken and acknowledge the fact that no more second chances are left to take.
The upcoming three games will hence be conclusive. Previously, recent public criticism of Xavi Hernandez has gradually increased. However, it seems that it is not only people outside of the club that are beginning to believe it.
According to AS, there are certain problems brewing within Barcelona as well. Specifically, Barcelona president Joan Laporta and Sporting Director Deco have recently had their differences with Xavi over a particular matter.
The report states that through the knowledge provided by various other sources, it is believed that neither Laporta nor Deco have been rather pleased with the starting elevens that Xavi has deployed in recent games. Even the match against Rayo saw a starting eleven that had both Barcelona leaders scratching their heads.
In particular, the decision of not starting Joao Felix, Ilkay Gundogan and Ronald Araujo came off as strange. Knowing that they had already lost to Shakhtar in the Champions League, the Barcelona heads wanted to see Xavi play a side with the hopes of redeeming themselves.
Alas, that was not to be the case. Barcelona ended up drawing away to Rayo Vallecano this time around and dropping two additional points. They now remain four points away from the top of the table and there is genuine concern within Barcelona.
As it stands, speculation suggests that Laporta may already have a replacement for Xavi ready as well. Rafa Marquez, coach of Barcelona Atletic, is seen as a potential successor for the current first team coach. Laporta’s recent decision to go watch a game under Marquez rather than travelling to Vallecas with the first team also added fuel to a growing fire.
