Four games have now passed with Xavi Hernandez on the bench for Barcelona, and whilst there have been some positive moments, there are still a number of problems that he has not yet managed to solve.
Two wins, a draw and a solitary defeat is the definition of a mixed-bag of results, although Xavi’s influence has been seen on the uptick in effort from his players and an intention to play football in a certain style.
Problems, though, that have been present since Ronald Koeman was in charge, continue to linger and the former Al-Sadd coach hasn’t yet found a solution to them.
Scoring goals
Barcelona‘s front-line is the worst the club has had this millennium, they have failed to find the net in half of the matches Xavi has taken charge of. This team needs a goalscoring forward that thrives on finding the net, and the lack of a player in this mould has made Los Cules’ Champions League hopes all the more difficult to achieve.
Keeping goals out
The Blaugrana haven’t been particularly good at the back either, with opposing teams finding it incredibly easy to score goals against them. Ronald Koeman saw that the defence had issues, and Xavi hasn’t been able to tighten the backline up yet, and he admitted to feeling annoyed with the goal conceded against Real Betis.
Ter Stegen’s form
For whatever reason, the German goalkeeper is having one of his worst seasons in Spain, and his form hasn’t changed at all since the new coach arrived.
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Memphis Depay
Having been signed to be one of the important players of this new Barcelona, the Dutch forward is proving to be as inconsistent as he was at Manchester United. He isn’t the leader that the Catalan club hoped and they need him to put the team on his back more often.
Injuries
Some consider the number of injuries at Barcelona to be where all of the team’s problems originate from this term. The forward line has been decimated, but Sergino Dest and Gavi have been forced to play out of position too. The situation is only getting worse with Gavi suffering a knock against Real Betis.
Missing players
Players within the Blaugrana squad aren’t pulling their weight, and they haven’t for a long time. Coutinho is the clearest case of that, with the club’s most expensive ever signing also being in the running for being the club’s worst ever signing.
He can’t find any level of comfort on the pitch, coaches can’t find a position for him, and his contributions when given a chance have been minimal. Ousmane Dembele is another similar case, even though the club are now fighting a battle to extend his contract.
Source: Marca
