Barcelona’s recent revival in LaLiga and the Champions League has been attributed to the decision made by coach Xavi Hernández to step down in the summer. Since Xavi announced his departure in January, Barcelona has gone unbeaten in 12 matches, climbing to second place in the league and advancing to the Champions League quarterfinals for the first time since 2020. Xavi mentioned in a news conference that the public knowledge of his imminent departure has brought about a sense of calm within the club and among the media. He believed that having an “expiry date” helped the team focus and perform better, and he was convinced that his decision was for the good of the club.
Xavi emphasized the importance of winning their upcoming match against Cádiz, stating that anything other than a victory would diminish their slim chances of contending for the league title. Currently, Real Madrid leads LaLiga by eight points with eight games remaining, making each match crucial for Barcelona. Xavi expressed the significance of staying in the title race and acknowledged that a loss against Cádiz would significantly impact their chances of catching up to the league leaders. Therefore, he urged his players to remain focused and determined in their pursuit of success.
Barcelona will face Cádiz without key players such as Robert Lewandowski, João Cancelo, and Iñigo Martínez, who are suspended, along with Gavi and Alejandro Balde who are sidelined due to injuries. Despite these absences, Xavi mentioned that Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are set to return to the squad after recovering from their injuries. Additionally, Lamine Yamal, who was subjected to a derogatory comment by on-air analyst Germán Burgos, is said to be doing well and available for selection. Xavi will need to make strategic changes to the lineup while ensuring that the team maintains its competitive edge and morale.
As Barcelona prepares to face PSG in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, Xavi remains optimistic about their chances of advancing to the semifinals. The team’s recent form and momentum have instilled confidence in the players, who are motivated to secure positive results in their upcoming fixtures. Xavi’s leadership and strategic decisions have played a significant role in Barcelona’s resurgence, and the team is determined to maintain their winning streak and compete at the highest level.
Xavi Hernández’s announcement of his departure has had a profound impact on Barcelona’s performance in LaLiga and the Champions League. The sense of calm and clarity within the club, coupled with Xavi’s astute leadership, has propelled the team to new heights. As Barcelona continues its pursuit of success and silverware, the players and coaching staff are aligned in their commitment to achieving their goals. With key matches on the horizon, Barcelona will need to maintain their focus, resilience, and determination to achieve victory and further solidify their position in both domestic and European competitions.