Barcelona’s hopes of clinching the LaLiga title this season are hanging by a thread. After being held to a draw away at Valencia last weekend, head coach Xavi Hernández admitted that they can’t afford any more slip-ups if they want to salvage their chances. The Spanish champions currently find themselves nine points behind surprise leaders Girona and seven points adrift of second-placed Real Madrid. The pressure is mounting as Barcelona desperatly seeks a way back into the title race.
Xavi has identified the lack of a clinical edge as the primary reason for the nine-point deficit compared to the same stage last season. The team’s inability to convert chances into goals has cost them dearly. Although the signing of Brazilian striker Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense in January could provide a solution, Xavi cautioned against expecting immediate miracles from the 18-year-old prodigy.
The Pressure on Young Players
Xavi emphasized that it’s unfair to put excessive pressure on young players like Vitor Roque and Lamine Yamal. Instead, he called for every player in the squad to step up and make a difference. Barcelona’s efficiency both in attack and defense has been lacking, but Xavi believes it would be unjust to burden young talents with the responsibility of turning the team’s fortunes around.
The Awaited Arrival of Vitor Roque
Barcelona agreed on a hefty €30 million ($33m) deal, with potential add-ons worth an additional €31m, to secure the services of Vitor Roque last summer. The transfer will become official when the January transfer window opens. Xavi confirmed that if everything goes as planned, Roque will join the squad at the end of December after a well-deserved break following the conclusion of the Brazilian season. The head coach expressed his confidence in Roque’s abilities, believing that the youngster will prove to be a valuable addition to the team through his goal-scoring prowess and hard work.
In addition to Vitor Roque, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has indicated that the club aims to bring in a midfielder on loan during the upcoming transfer window. This move would mirror the successful loan deal that saw Edgar Davids join the club in 2004. Xavi acknowledged the need to strengthen the squad, especially given the injury to Gavi and the ongoing financial fair play considerations. While finding a player of Gavi’s caliber may be challenging, Xavi and sporting director Deco are actively exploring their options.
Barcelona’s challenges have been compounded by injuries and suspensions. Gavi, who is out for the season with an ACL tear, will be sorely missed in the midfield. Additionally, Frenkie de Jong is suspended for the upcoming match against Almería at the Olympic Stadium, while Pedri is set to sit out Barca’s final two games of 2023 due to injury. Xavi mentioned Oriol Romeu, Fermín López, and Marc Casadó as potential options to replace De Jong. The team will need to quickly find suitable replacements to fill the void left by these key absences.
After their match against Almería, Barcelona will fly to the United States for a friendly against Mexican side Club América in Dallas. This encounter will serve as their final game of 2023, providing an opportunity for the team to end the year on a positive note.
Barcelona’s LaLiga title hopes are hanging in the balance. Xavi Hernández understands the importance of avoiding any further slip-ups. The team must address their lack of clinical finishing and seek reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window. Balancing the pressure on young players and finding suitable replacement options for the injured and suspended players are crucial tasks for the coaching staff. The journey to reclaiming the LaLiga crown will be challenging, but Barcelona remains determined to turn their fortunes around in the second half of the season.