Barcelona are having a really good time at the top of La Liga as the world cup has ended. The majority of players represented big nations and others are getting well-deserved rest. Xavi is really looking to understand the team and what it needs. Their transfer window was one of the best ones in the history of the club. The likes of Lewandowski, Raphinha, Kounde, Kessie, and Christensen have really strengthened the squad a lot. They are out of the Champions League but the Europa League is still there to compete for. Barcelona are also the team with the highest amount of goals in the league.
Barcelona still looks far from their best but surely it looks like the best is coming soon. Lewandowski is delivering for them as expected. Jules Kounde has been a rock at the back for Xavi. Xavi is adamant that the team’s quality must be constantly improved. A major boost for Barcelona is the return of the Uruguayan Ronald Araujo. The 23-year-old suffered an injury early in October. Since then, he has been out and Barcelona have missed him a lot. Araujo underwent surgery and has returned to action much earlier than it was expected. Now he is more than ready to return and will be starting against Intercity in the Copa del Rey.
Barcelona’s domestic form is very impressive as they took advantage of Real Madrid’s slip-ups. Now, Xavi and Laporta are lining up a number of moves that they will try to pull off in January or the summer window later on. Xavi also will have his full squad available after the world cup. This will help him assess things better and make better decisions about the squad. Meanwhile, players not called up for the world cup have stayed in Barcelona and will be training. There will be key players returning from injuries which will be a big boost. Barcelona also faces the Copa Del Rey challenge now as they have to compete in 3 competitions.
Is Xavi still concerned about the results?
With the squad they have, Barcelona were expected to be a favorite for major competitions this year. Last year, Xavi took them from 14th to the 2nd spot and it was commendable work by the Spanish coach. But this year with a world-class squad at his disposal, it has not gone all right for Laporta and Xavi. It is true that patience is key in projects like this but results and performances say a lot.
The exit from the Champions League was something that nobody expected but everyone feared. Barcelona were expected to make it out of their UCL group but they never did. Moreover, Xavi’s Barcelona has lost all the big matches so far this season. It is quite shocking as to why things are not going right at Camp Nou. Barcelona now faces Manchester United in the Europa League and also has La Liga to focus on. Only time will tell how the Catalans would fare.
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