FC Barcelona have arrived at a point in their season where second chances are no longer there. La Liga is at a point of no return, given that Xavi Hernandez can no longer afford to drop any points with his Barcelona team. However, this point of no return exists beyond just the Spanish first division.
Even in the UEFA Champions League, the group stages have now concluded. No more lapses in judgment and accidental defeats can be accepted. The recent loss to Royal Antwerp may have had no impact on the positions of the group, but it did on Barça’s pride.
As a result, according to SPORT, Barcelona is now in a state of emergency. No more excuses for development or progression can be heard, and Xavi is now expected to deliver. Given the improvement in the squad’s roster, the expectations are undoubtedly high.
While some may argue that the team has improved since Xavi took over, given that he has won a La Liga and Spanish Supercup, it is still far from his own objectives. The coach knew that this season needed the best progression thus far seen under him, but that has not been the case.
Despite the arrivals of Joao Felix, Joao Cancelo, and Ilkay Gundogan, the team’s collective results are worrying. Regardless of whether Pedri or Gavi play, the team seems to lack that spark. Ultimately, the team is at a point where comparisons with Girona and Manchester City need to stop.
Xavi ideally wants his Barcelona team to play a fluid, positionally sound brand of football. Teams like Manchester City and Michel’s Girona have managed to perfect that formula, but Xavi’s side still remains light years behind. At this point, it is better to focus on results rather than aesthetics if it is proving to be a hurdle.
Qualification to the Round of 16 in the Champions League is guaranteed, so that is one positive. However, the season is only going to get tougher from here onwards. None of the players within the current Barcelona side are showing their best versions at the moment. As such, this is a problem Xavi will want to solve as soon as possible.
The club’s season depends on him, but so does his own job. There is growing pessimism regarding Xavi’s reign as head coach, but for now, he remains safe. Yet time is ticking, and the Barcelona coach knows that he must turn the situation around.
