Barca up and running since Xavi's shock announcement

'El Clasico' defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final, the Copa del Rey exit at the hands of Athletic and the 3-5 thrashing by Villarreal at the Camp Nou were too much of a battle for Xavi Hernandez. The Tarrasa native had already been dropping hints in previous days, but it was that thrashing when he had come from 2-0 down that triggered his announcement that he would be leaving Barca at the end of the season.

"Before you ask me the relevant questions, I would like to announce that on 30th June I will not continue as Barca coach. The situation deserves a change of direction. As a 'Cule', I can't allow it to go on like this. I had made up my mind a few days ago, but I think it's time to say it. The club needs a change of dynamic", were his words in the press room at Montjuic.

One of the strong reasons for announcing it at the end of January is that, in his opinion, putting an end to all the rumours around the bench would defuse the situation. "The players will be relieved, they will be calmer. We are playing with a lot of tension and the best thing is to leave. I'll give it my all for the next four months. It's a decision to think first of the club rather than myself," argued Xavi.

It's true that the spotlight is still on the Catalan coach, but in a different way. Barca have opened the casting to look for a coach and in the meantime, Xavi Hernandez feels less the pressure of the club's atmosphere and his team is getting results. In fact, they have not lost since he announced the end of his spell as Barca coach.

 

February 27, 2024

Since 27th January, FC Barcelona have played six games, winning four and drawing two. However, they have had very mixed results. They began by beating Osasuna (1-0) with a goal from Vitor Roque and followed that up with a 1-3 win at Mendizorroza against Deportivo Alaves. They then had to salvage a 3-3 draw at home to Granada thanks to Lamine Yamal and beat Celta at Balaidos with a 97th minute penalty.

Where ironically there was an improvement was at Napoli despite the draw. The 'Cules' had a great first half in which they controlled Francesco Calzona's team, minimised Kvaratskhelia and played comfortably. In the second half Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring, but when it seemed to be all over, Barca were again fragile and let Osimhen equalise with the striker's  first shot on target.

Finally, against Getafe we did see the most convincing Barcelona game in recent months. Apart from the scoreline (4-0), the 'Cules' once again dominated the ball, created dangeours chances and had fun. Raphinha was the star of the show with the first goal and the assist for the third, scored by Frenkie de Jong, while Joao Felix had another good performance (he also scored the second) and Fermin Lopez rounded off the scoring in stoppage time. Meanwhile, Getafe could barely trouble Ter Stegen as the German goalkeeper kept a clean sheet for the 14th time this season, just the third time in 2024.

Girona regained second place thanks to their win over Rayo, but are already feeling the pressure. The fight for La Liga looks very difficult, but Barcelona can't afford to miss out on the Super Cup in 2025 either and clinging on to the one bullet of the Champions League to call it a good year is madness. Xavi wants to minimise the damage and with his farewell he was looking for the best possible context to do so.