Xavi gets unwanted message from Barcelona board after Clasico humiliation

Robin Bairner

• 15 Jan 2024 08:54 GMT
• 2 min read

Barcelona head coach Xavi has not heard what he wished from the board after watching his side lose 4-1 to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday.

Robert Lewandowski scored Barca’s consolation as they suffered a heavy loss in Saudi Arabia in a performance that casts further doubts on the coach’s ability to lead the team back to the top of the European game.

Xavi’s side are presently fourth in LaLiga, seven points behind Los Blancos, leading the coach to request reinforcements to his injury-hit squad this January.

The board, however, have rejected this demand, with Vitor Roque set to be the only arrival for the Camp Nou side this month in a deal that was fast-tracked forward from the summer in a bid to give Lewandowski more competition in the centre-forward role.

Sport reports that Xavi had particularly asked for a midfielder who could bring some intensity to their midfield.

After the Real Madrid loss, the head coach had a sad admission to make, though.

“I have already said that now it is impossible for another player to arrive. The situation of the club is what it is and we cannot sign anyone,” he said.

It is stated that he will speak with Deco again but that it will take “a miracle” for Barcelona to make another signing this month, with a €40 million hole in their budget to be plugged after Libero failed to pay that figure for a share of Barca Vision.

Xavi’s job not under threat

In better news for Xavi, he continues to have the trust of president Joan Laporta, despite the nature of the Real Madrid loss.

Sport indicates that the head coach continues to retain the faith of the board, who had hoped the match might prove a turning point in their season.

Xavi retains the trust of Laporta, sports vice president Rafa Yuste and sporting director Deco and does not find his position under threat.