Team selection shake-up adds to Xavi’s woes as pressure mounts
President Joan Laporta has seemingly adopted a hands-on approach, increasing the pressure on the struggling manager amid Barcelona’s recent challenges and Xavi Hernandez’s decreasing influence.
Laporta’s recent role in team selection received criticism after a run of dubious performances that had Barca trailing in La Liga.
Xavi’s decision to leave out crucial players such as Robert Lewandowski, Ilkay Gundogan, Frenkie de Jong, and Ronald Araujo from the team to face Royal Antwerp was changed at the last minute.
Three of the four were included, with one exception of de Jong, who is recovering from a fever, producing conjecture that Laporta organized the move.
Despite official explanations claiming an extended stay and group training, reports say Laporta was driven by a desire to recover quickly from an embarrassing defeat and avoid sending a negative message following the loss to Girona.
Laporta’s recent moves, such as scouting prospective successors and now interfering in squad decisions, have damaged Xavi’s position even further.
The manager, who is already dealing with the fallout from a home loss and a draw with Rayo Vallecano, is now under even more scrutiny as talk regarding his future at the helm of the Catalan club grows.
See More:
- Barcelona eyeing move for Man United outcast Jadon Sancho
- Ronald Araujo linked with a move to Bayern Munich
