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Liga: on the field and behind the scenes, Xavi must make choices in Barcelona

2023-01-08T09:00:43.119Z


As Barcelona face Atlético Madrid this Sunday (9:00 p.m.), the Catalan coach has choices to make for the present and for the future of his club.


Xavi has work to do.

Arriving in October 2021 to replace Ronald Koeman, the former midfielder probably did not imagine the size of the project to be carried out in his heart club.

Once again eliminated from the Champions League group stage this season, things are going better in the league.

But for how long ?

Despite the victory after extra time (4-3), the Copa Del Rey match against Intercity (Spanish D3) highlighted the collective and individual shortcomings of certain players.

Nothing reassuring before facing Atlético Madrid, 4th in La Liga.

To discover

  • League standings

  • La Liga fixtures and results

The three goals conceded are indicative of the faults of certain players.

At fault on the 3rd goal, Marcos Alonso, training side, helps out as central defender but is not at the level.

In the defensive phase, the Spaniard, like his teammate Sergio Busquets, is overwhelmed on each quick transition.

Xavi's desire to play high can therefore turn against him by leaving spaces that Busquets, Alonso, Alba or Eric Garcia are unable to manage.

But the defense issue is not the hottest issue for Xavi.

When Araujo and Koundé are holders, Barça regains solidity and gives way to another project.

It is in attack, in the absence of Lewandowski, that the problem is more important.

Attackers lack confidence

When Lewandowski goes, everything is fine for Barca.

But when he is absent, the deal is different.

Xavi may praise Dembélé by saying that "

he is the best in the world at his post

", the Frenchman is just as irregular as his companions in the Blaugrana attack.

Between Ansu Fati who cannot find his level, Raphinha who is struggling to get to the level requested, without forgetting Memphis Depay and Ferran Torres, both in dire need of confidence, the front of the attack of the Catalans n never looked so out of shape.

In the absence of the Polish striker, involved in 50% of Barça's goals but suspended for 3 games, the Barcelona attack struggled in the last gesture against the 3rd division club.

Xavi will therefore have to decide and find the right attacking trio.

For the shock against Atlético, it would be Ansu Fati who would have received the favors of his coach to take the place of goalscorer.

In full doubt, the winning goal scored against Intercity and the choice of his coach could restore Ansu Fati's confidence and revive him.

To accompany him Xavi hope that Dembélé and Raphinha will finally confirm all the expectations he places on them.

Extensions and frames to manage

When he was appointed, opinions abounded regarding Xavi and his relationship with his former teammates still at the club, Pique, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

The first of the three cities ended his contract in October but the other two could well stay a little longer.

And their situation is making a lot of noise on the other side of the Pyrenees.

More and more criticized, Sergio Busquets no longer has his level of yesteryear, for a few seasons already.

A time announced as a starter, Xavi said that "

Busquets will stay with us (

at Barça

) until the end of his contract in June

" and even said he was trying "

to convince him to continue

".

This is also the case for Marcos Alonso, also criticized but who could be offered a contract extension according to the wishes of the Catalan coach.

By wanting to keep his aging executives, Xavi is depriving himself of bringing modernity and youth to his team.

Alex Baldé pushes behind Jordi Alba and is already international while Frenkie de Jong waits for Busquets to give up his place as sentry in the midfield of Barça, between Pedri and Gavi.

Xavi would therefore have every interest in ensuring that he does not dwell on the past at the risk of degrading the future of his club.

Source: lefigaro

All sports articles on 2023-01-08

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