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Xavi is reportedly fighting to keep the confidence of multiple first-team players at Barcelona, as the club faces a series of challenges both on and off the pitch.
Despite winning LaLiga last season, the current campaign has been less successful, with Barcelona sitting fourth in the league and suffering a heavy defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Internal Struggles and Team Dynamics
According to Sources close to ESPN reveal that some Barcelona stars are losing faith in Xavi, particularly after his comments about their inability to adapt to Barca's play style.
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22:46 - 15.01.2024
Super Cup: 3 reason 10-man Barcelona suffered heavy loss against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu
An autopsy of Barcelona's Spanish Super Cup demise against Real Madrid
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21:11 - 15.01.2024
‘Barça is the club of my heart’ - Guardiola acknowledges after receiving FIFA 'The Best' award
Pep Guardiola, the esteemed manager of Manchester City, was honoured with the FIFA 'The Best' award as the best coach of the year. Despite this award coming as recognition for his amazing achievement with City, Pep saw it as an opportunity to express his love for Barcelona.
This sentiment isn't unanimous, as not all players share this view. The discontent is also fueled by perceptions of Xavi not being equally strict with all squad members.
Club's Financial and Structural Challenges
Barcelona's financial constraints, a result of their Fair Play situation, have hampered their ability to register players at the season's start.
Additionally, the team is temporarily relocated to Spain's Olympic Stadium while the Nou Camp undergoes a massive £1.25 billion renovation, impacting their ability to draw regular crowds.
Management's Stance on Xavi
Despite the recent challenges, Sporting Director Deco has expressed unwavering support for Xavi. After the defeat to Real Madrid, Deco emphasized, as reported by Daily Mail, "The coach still has the president and the club's confidence and this defeat does not change anything."
Club President Joan Laporta, however, is rumoured to prefer Barca B coach Rafa Marquez as a potential interim replacement if Xavi departs before the season's end.
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Xavi's Perspective and Team Performance
Xavi remains confident in his project and the team's potential. After the Super Cup final loss, he stated, "[There is] confidence, yes.
"We must be self-critical and correct a lot, but I still believe in the project and that can have a great season." He acknowledged the need for self-critique and the importance of staying resilient amidst criticism.
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Barcelona continues its campaign in the Champions League, facing Napoli in the last 16, and remains in contention for the Copa del Rey.
Their next match in the Copa del Rey is against third-tier side Unionistas, a seemingly straightforward fixture, but their narrow victory against fourth-tier Barbastro in the previous round suggests caution.
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