Barcelona keen to avoid past mistakes from Xavi’s era as Hansi Flick takes charge

Xavi’s time as Barcelona’s manager was a mixed bag, with highs and lows that have left fans and the team with mixed feelings. 

If one has to look back, the problems started to show before the 2023-24 season even began and as highlighted by SPORT, the team learned a lot from their pre-season mistakes and is keen to avoid making the same errors this time around. 

At this moment, the club’s hierarchy has understood that the key issue was that Xavi was left with a very small squad. 

Hence, everyone now agrees that it is important not to let players leave too soon this summer. Instead, they want to give everyone a chance during pre-season. 

Problems that Barcelona faced

It has been suggested that Barcelona are now more focused on giving an opportunity the current roster before finalising their exit. 

Last summer, it must be noted that in order to make room for Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix, who joined on loan, Barcelona had to let Eric Garcia and Ez Abde leave.

Xavi was left with a very small squad last season. (Photo by MANAURE QUINTERO/AFP via Getty Images)

Before that, other players like Ansu Fati, who went to Brighton on loan, and Franck Kessie, Nico Gonzalez, Julian Araujo, Pablo Torre, and Alex Valle, also left. 

As a result, Xavi ended up with a very short squad. Injuries soon became a problem, causing unexpected increases in playing time for some players. 

Youngsters like Fermin Lopez, Lamine Yamal, Cubarsi, Hector Fort, and Marc Guiu were pulled into the first team. While it came as a blessing in disguise, it was not the original plan at all.

Barcelona will not repeat the same mistakes

Now, Barcelona want to handle things differently. They won’t approve any departures until the signings they want are confirmed. 

Additionally, they want to see all their players in action before making any decisions about who stays and who goes. 

Interestingly, this stance is supported by injuries to key players like Ronald Araujo and Pedri, along with the absence of Eric Garcia, Fermin, and Cubarsi who are away at the Olympic Games, 

This already means that new coach Hansi Flick will have even fewer players to work with in the early weeks of pre-season.