Strained relations at FC Barcelona: Xavi faces tensions with President Laporta amidst team turmoil
Tensions are escalating at FC Barcelona as Xavi, who has long enjoyed steadfast support from President Joan Laporta despite a series of disappointing results, is now reportedly at odds with Laporta. Following a substantial home defeat against Girona (2-4), Barcelona finds itself in a crisis, currently occupying the fourth spot in La Liga, trailing seven points behind the top position. The team’s lackluster performance is beginning to have repercussions.
As Barcelona gears up for the final match of the Champions League group stage with an away game against Royal Antwerp, Xavi made the decision to rest several key players, including Robert Lewandowski, Ronald Araujo, Ilkay Gundogan, and Frenkie De Jong.
However, this choice has allegedly not been well-received by President Laporta. According to SER Deportivos, Laporta directed Xavi to revise the list of called-up players, insisting on including all those initially rested, with the exception of the injured Frenkie De Jong.
Laporta views Xavi’s message to the players as risky, believing that after such a significant defeat, the players do not deserve rest.
The President reportedly disapproves, seeing Xavi’s move as a questionable signal. The overall club leadership is said to be upset with Xavi.
They are in disagreement with the coach’s statements during the post-match press conference last Sunday, challenging the notion that the team is still in a rebuilding phase and rejecting Xavi’s claim that Barcelona outperformed Girona.
The tangible tension raises speculation about how long Xavi Hernandez can endure this storm at Barcelona.
Source: Infos-sport
