Following his team’s devastating 4-1 loss to rival Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana final, Barcelona manager Xavi has been the subject of speculation about his future.
Joan Fontes of Bar Cantales has reported that the Barcelona leadership, including President Joan Laporta and Sporting Director Deco, have begun to lose faith in the former midfield superstar. The report also claims that Deco has begun to question the signing of Manchester City’s treble-winning captain, Ilkay Gundogan. The loss has reportedly started to raise alarm bells in Catalonia regarding Xavi’s continuance at the club.
Despite the reports from Fontes, Mundo Deportivo and SPORT, the two leading Catalan news outlets, have claimed that the leadership at the club are fully sure of Xavi and are behind him. They believe he is still the right man for the job despite their Clasico thrashing.
After the match, Deco spoke to the media about the loss. He said (via Toni Juanmarti): “It’s a tough defeat. Furthermore, we have not been able to fight. We have to continue and think about the Cup.”
Pressed on Xavi’s future, the sporting director quelled rumours of his sacking, as he explained: “This question doesn’t make any sense. The coach continues to have everyone’s trust. It is a defeat that does not change anything in that aspect.”
WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?
There is not a lot of time for Xavi to recuperate his squad before their clash against Unionista de Salamanca, a third-tier side, in the Copa del Rey on Thursday, January 18. Xavi will likely field a full-strength squad as the cup could be the Catalan side’s only shot at a trophy this season.
