Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández is facing challenges in maintaining support from a segment of the first-team squad, as indicated by various sources to ESPN.
The 4-1 loss to Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa final on Sunday exacerbated existing concerns among players about the team’s strategy.
Sources reveal that dissatisfaction predates the recent Clásico defeat, with players expressing annoyance at Xavi’s comments about their struggle to adapt to Barcelona’s playing style.
While opinions within the squad differ, some players feel Xavi hasn’t been equally strict with all team members. A source close to Xavi maintains that, in the coach’s view, the majority of players still support him, acknowledging the potential for discontent within a 20-player squad.
Although the results this season have fallen short of expectations, Xavi reportedly appreciates the positive behaviour and attitude displayed by the team. The 3-2 victory against Almeria before Christmas is cited as a crucial moment in improving relations between players and the manager.
Despite Xavi’s assertion of a positive relationship with players, doubts emerged earlier in the season with losses to Madrid and Girona in La Liga, as well as defeats in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk and Royal Antwerp.
While Xavi expresses confidence in his players and believes in turning the season around, some sources suggest doubts exist about his future beyond the current season, despite a recent contract extension until 2025.
However, financial constraints and a lack of immediate coaching alternatives pose challenges to making any managerial changes.