The upcoming game for FC Barcelona will see the Catalan giants visit the Balearic Islands to face off against fellow La Liga side RCD Mallorca. With their clash set to take place at Mallorca’s home ground, the Iberostar Stadium, Barcelona will have to be well prepared.
So far, that looks to be the case for both sides heading into the match. Mallorca head coach Javier Aguirre has already provided his own two cents on the quality of Barcelona and how to counter them, while Xavi Hernandez also provided insights into his game plan for the upcoming clash.
As highlighted by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, one of the key takeaways from Xavi’s pre-match press conference was his reference to rotations yet again and the player he stated will have a significant role in this match in order to add more minutes as well as provide rest to others.
According to the Barcelona head coach, the team definitely needs rotations due to the frequency with which they are having to play games: “If there are players who play 5 or 6 games every three days, that’s already a sign that we need to rotate.”
He also previously stated that every game will likely see at least two to three rotations and it seems that he will remain consistent with that decision. However, apart from Ter Stegen, Xavi highlights how almost every player in his team will be given rest at some point:
“There are two or three players who have played every match. One of them is the goalkeeper, a position where we believe there is no fatigue, and they can play the whole game. But we will make changes because some players need it.”
In terms of a name that will most definitely come into the starting eleven as a result of these rotations, Xavi spoke about it on his own without any question being prompted about it, stating that 32-year-old new arrival Inigo Martinez would be one to come into this game: “Iñigo Martínez will start getting more playing time now.”
This will be the defender’s first-ever start for FC Barcelona since his arrival this summer. Previously, the player has made two appearances for FC Barcelona and has thus far accumulated only 15 minutes for the Catalan giants, a tally he will be hoping to increase significantly against RCD Mallorca.
While this may come as good news for Inigo Martinez and his tally for FC Barcelona, it would in turn mean that Jules Kounde may end up having to rest. Thus far, the Frenchman has played every game for Barcelona without fail and Xavi himself believes it is now time for him to rest as well as others who have not had the chance to take a breather just yet this season.
