Barcelona started its recovery back to European elites when Joan Laporta was re-elected as the club president. Under Bartemou’s term, the club was mishandled financially as well as sportingly. One of the most courageous steps Laporta took was to replace Koeman with Xavi.
Only a few in the world of football needs an introduction to one of the most outstanding midfielders ever. Xavi was part of the most successful period in the history of FC Barcelona. The prodigal son’s return to Camp Nou brought with it great motivation.
Almost a year ahead, Barcelona is doing reasonably well in the league, second after Real Madrid, and has the best defensive and offensive record. Yet Champions League and Elite European clubs still seem to be the Achilles heel of the club. Barcelona crashed out of the Champions League while losing to Bayern Munich. Following the loss, many among the fans and some among the boards have started doubting the abilities of Xavi to guide the club back to the very best.
Barcelona is keeping tabs on the Premier League manager
Amid the reports of sacking Xavi, Barcelona has been linked with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Arteta is doing a fantastic job at Arsenal after spending a few years getting his managerial feet under him. Because the Gunners finished seventh in each of his first two seasons, the Spaniard did not immediately have the full support of the supporters. They had a terrible start to the last campaign. In fact, things were bleak as they dropped their first three league games and allowed nine goals in the process. They did, however, pick up pace in the second half of the season to finish fifth.
This season though, Arsenal has started with full steam. The club is currently top of the table, two points clear of Manchester City.
Xavi has previously claimed that if the process won’t go as planned, he would willingly step away. This is the most honest reflection a person can express. Mikel Arteta was quick to shoot down the rumors floating around.
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