Despite the quality additions made in the last summer transfer window, Xavi Hernandez has been unable to bring the best out of his FC Barcelona team this season.
The Catalans are still alive in three competitions, but their performances on the pitch have left a lot to be desired, with a section of the board starting to question Xavi’s capability to keep taking Barcelona forward.
In such a context, the crushing 4-1 defeat suffered at the hands of Real Madrid last night puts Xavi Hernandez in a particularly uncomfortable position, especially as his predecessor, Ronald Koeman, was also dismissed in a very similar situation.
However, SPORT reveals that Xavi is feeling fine for now, and has not taken the last loss too badly. He feels strong and supported by the board, and is eager to turn things around with his team.
As already reported here, Laporta encouraged Xavi after the match last night, and unless Xavi faces a huge setback, he will get to at least finish the current season on the Barcelona bench.
The fact that the team is still competing in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey is a source of great hope for the former midfielder.
However, big challenges await Xavi and Barcelona in these competitions as well, and the head coach understands that he will have to ensure the team plays better and does not repeat its mistakes going forward.
The financial condition of the club is another factor that is making it difficult for Barcelona to compete with other top European clubs. The Catalans were able to register Vitor Roque only because of the long-term injury faced by Gavi, and the arrival of a midfielder seems almost impossible in this winter transfer window.
