Xavi is aware that dismissal from Barcelona is a possibility. The Catalans’ coach has lost 11 of his first 50 games with the club, the lowest number of any coach who has worked at the Camp Nou in the past 20 years. That’s not going to bother Xavi.
Last weekend, el Clásico lost to Real Madrid (3-1) and the criticism from the supporters increased again as a result. Previously, wintering in the Champions League was almost given away and the fans do not like that. “I understand that Barcelona is not a club where you can speak of a transition season,” Xavi explained at the press conference in preparation for the LaLiga game against Villarreal. “We have done a lot for it and that means that we now also have to participate for the prizes. If we don’t get it, there will be consequences.”
Xavi realizes that his own head is also on the chopping block. “The president said there could be consequences and maybe there will be for me. I’m not looking for excuses: if we don’t win prizes, another trainer will come and try. Of course, dismissal is possible. It’s just football, but I’m staying positive because the people on the street are cheering me on and it’s up to us to move on and face reality.”
Barcelona, which is in second place in the Spanish league after nine games and is three points behind leaders Real Madrid after the lost Clásico, will play Villarreal on Thursday evening. Frenkie de Jong can play an important role in that match, his trainer said. “He is very confident on the ball and, through his play, he can make time and space for central defenders. If he is in the center and has the field in front of him, he can come up with solutions from there for the rest of the team .”
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