Xavi’s relationship with some Barcelona stars has strained since last season – report

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has come under intense scrutiny this season, with the pressure on him only piling up after Sunday night’s 4-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final.

The 43-year-old tactician had signed a new contract with Barcelona last year, and even though Joan Laporta has given his backing, there are doubts growing over his suitability for the job.

After all, there have been reports of Xavi losing part of the Barcelona dressing room in recent weeks in the aftermath of some disappointing displays.

Xavi’s relationship with some players not at its best

Amidst all this, Pol Ballus of The Athletic is reporting that the relationship between Xavi and some of his players at Barcelona has become strained since last season.

As such, it has led to questions within the club as to whether the players are not following the manager, or if they struggle to translate his ideas on the pitch.

The report names some prominent players who have had some issues with the manager, starting off with key midfielder Pedri, who was disappointed with the pressure being applied on him to return when he was injured last season.

Meanwhile, Ferran Torres was another player who was frustrated as his name was constantly linked with an exit during the summer with neither Xavi nor the club informing him directly about his future.

Ansu Fati and Eric Garcia were also in a similar boat to Torres and were unhappy with the circumstances, before eventually leaving on loan.

Losing the dressing room? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Jules Kounde also had some problems with Xavi fielding him at right-back and conveyed the message to the manager during the off-season.

It led to Ronald Araujo being deployed as a full-back more regularly this term, with the Uruguayan also airing his discomfort playing in the position.

Andreas Christensen is another player who is understood to be frustrated as he ends up being the first player to be benched when all stars are fit and available for selection.

There is also the case of Robert Lewandowski, who has previously complained about the lack of service and support in attack, especially when Xavi opted to play four midfielders.

Xavi to continue

Despite everything, Xavi is expected to continue as the Barcelona manager, at least until the end of the season at which point the situation will be assessed.

If Barça were to sack him now they are aware that there are no quality replacements as well as the fact that FFP would complicate matters for them.