Barcelona forward’s argument with Xavi cost him a place in the lineup vs Girona

The latest explosion in Barcelona has left bridges burning in the offices of the European giants.

In almost an overnight development, the management and the administration no longer see eye to eye, and the situation has escalated to a point where Xavi’s sacking appears possible.

In fact, reports earlier today revealed that several Barcelona players felt mistreated by the manager in recent times in what came as a surprising development considering how the players backed the manager voraciously earlier this season.

Raphinha’s case

According to reports from Gerard Romero, relations between Raphinha and Xavi have not been going strong for a while now.

One of the incidents that led to the tension between the two players was an argument between Xavi and Raphinha during the team’s game against Valencia.

All is not well between Xavi and Raphinha. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

On getting substituted out on the night, the Brazilian star lashed out at Xavi’s brother and assistant, Oscar Hernandez to which the manager instantly threatened the player with serious sanctions.

“Calm down, you won’t play against Girona now,” the manager reportedly said.

Indeed, the player did not start against Michel’s side in the game that Barcelona eventually lost 4-2, although he did come on as a substitute in the second half.

One of many

The pressure against Xavi has been growing astronomically in recent days. What began as the president’s stance against the manager has found its way to the dressing room and it does not look like the players back their coach any longer.

Raphinha is only one of the several players who feel mistreated by the manager, and word has it that Robert Lewandowski, Vitor Roque, Joao Felix and Ronald Araujo also share the same stance.

The list is puzzling, however, considering that the likes of Raphinha, Lewandowski and Araujo are bonafide starters under the tactician.