Xavi has a lot of work to do. Barcelona threw away a three goal lead against Celta Vigo to draw at the weekend, exposing some of the team’s fragility, physically and mentally. These are the key areas Xavi must improve Barcelona in.
Raise the team’s self-esteem
It’s going to be a hard task. The best recipe is winning matches, the derby and key Champions League clash with Benfica is first up. The dressing room has world champions in it and players who have won it all, Xavi needs to find the way to get them connected and functioning again.
19 Likes
Get the players flying
As well as the injuries, fitness is important. In the second half against Celta they were exhausted while Celta flew. Not for the first time and in Europe it’s even more evident.
18 Likes
Manage the sacred cows
The four captains, Busquets, Pique, Alba and Roberto are heavyweights in the dressing room. They are important and have influence over the others. Everyone has to be rowing in the same direction.
17 Likes
Stop the injuries
Barcelona went to Vigo with eight injuries and left with three more in Ansu, Eric and Nico. Xavi has to find out what is happening and stop it. He may be able to bring back Dr Ricard Pruna.
17 Likes
Find solutions for an unbalanced squad
Xavi could use various tactical schemes, but there are some that won’t work based on the squad make-up. Right now there are no wingers. Dembele and Ansu are injured and Demir isn’t someone who reaches the end of the pitch, he prefers to come inside. There are problems at full-back, and too many midfielders
20 Likes
Xavi would like to do a big clear out at Barcelona. He wants the club to get rid of Neto, Lenglet, Umtiti, Coutinho, Braithwaite and Luuk De Jong!
(Source: JoseAlvarez)
8 Likes
Xavi has wasted no time in making significant changes at Barcelona after he reportedly sacked two members of club’s physio department in one of his first decisions as the new manager.
10 Likes