Xavi Hernández

[ajnotkeith]

Since Xavi took over, we have won 13 points from late goals (past 80th minute).

This is what most concerned me about his Liga results. Despite having a good case in results so far, only looking at results hides the fact we have been struggling a lot in some games and have won many games at the death which we didn't deserve to win.

The performance is most important, as your results will eventually match your performances when you run out of luck. In Europe where there's 2 legs this applies even more. And the team has been playing quite disappointing football recently.

However, he achieved the goal for this season, so let's pass off what happened against Frankfurt and give him a clean slate for the next season where he can really show his ideas.

 

[serghei]

Late goals show never give up attitude and fighting until the end. Away games at the best Spanish teams always were tough to win.

I am more worried about those crap games vs lower-tier opponents where the team went in unfocused and lacking speed and intensity. You can't afford that shit if you want to win the league while rebuilding next season. You have to be extremely consistent at getting the points vs smaller sides.

The worst thing by Xavi so far in terms of results were those 0-1 losses at home to Cadiz, Vallecano, and Betis (he did lose 1 vs top 8 after all, at home to Betis).

 

[ajnotkeith]

Late goals show never give up attitude and fighting until the end.

It can. But it can also mask poor performances as you ride your luck. You won't score in stoppage time every game.

 

[Porque]

We need to see the money we have to roll with. If it's almost nothing and more looking again for free or cheap players, oldies or players with some problems at their existing clubs is what you're gonna get unless you win the lottery so to speak.

I hope for two serious signings. Hopefully Raphinha and one more. Plus hopefully Kessie and Christensen being good additions we can fight for the title until the end unlike this season.

True. Talking of which, we should be looking at
Ridvan Yilmaz rather than half the Lbs we have been linked with on the 2023 expires.

 

[Porque]

Since Xavi took over, we have won 13 points from late goals (past 80th minute).

This is what most concerned me about his Liga results. Despite having a good case in results so far, only looking at results hides the fact we have been struggling a lot in some games and have won many games at the death which we didn't deserve to win.

The performance is most important, as your results will eventually match your performances when you run out of luck. In Europe where there's 2 legs this applies even more. And the team has been playing quite disappointing football recently.

However, he achieved the goal for this season, so let's pass off what happened against Frankfurt and give him a clean slate for the next season where he can really show his ideas.

I think the intensity and speed increased with the subs through the left side which is why the late goals come.

We could have had earlier goals had Ferran known how to finish too.

 

[Barcaman]

Xavi vs top 8.

4-0 vs Madrid
4-0 vs Bilbao
4-2 vs Atletico
1-0 vs Sevilla
2-1 vs Betis
1-0 vs Sociedad
3-1 vs Villareal.

7 wins out of 7. 18 goals scored, 4 conceded.

That is interesting.

 

[serghei]

It can. But it can also mask poor performances as you ride your luck. You won't score in stoppage time every game.

Sure, which is why you can't always win like that. But winning from time to time by getting a goal at the right time in a close game is what gets you closer to winning a league title. Especially when your team has flaws and issues, the kinds we know very well by now.

 

[serghei]

That is interesting.

7 out of 8. Forgot we played Betis twice in the league.

 

[KingLeo10]

That Roma team wasn't that easy you know....

You lot progressed, but it was 7-6 (and Roma was denied a couple pen shouts at home), while we got trolled 4-4.

Not that much of a difference in terms of scorelines, and this is with EV and MATS tax.

 

[MTL_Barca]

He did his job. Top 4 secured and brought some joy in watching Barca back. Towards the end we struggled again, but half a year back it felt like constant depression around here and then more people felt excited to watch the team again. That's at least something.

That being said though that was pretty much the bare minimum, going forward expectations will be a lot higher. Now he has to show if he is good enough for the job or not. He and the board need to put together a competitive squad and we need to see tactical improvements as well. Deserves a summer window + pre-season to be judged, but it's still Barca so we need to play better. People won't be happy with somehow last second winning league games 2-1 for the whole next season.

 

[DonAK]

Well said.

Both the board and Xavi also need to prove they will commit to starting a new era by starting to phase out the vets and sign quality players. Preferably not more old fodder like Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso.

 

[xXKonan]

I consider Kessie and Christensen something to be optimistic about at least in my eyes.

But the other rumors such as Morata, Azpilicueta, Alonso, Soler, or any other bang average Spanish player takes the wind out of the sails for me.

 

[Iniesta Ultra]

Glad he asked Fati where he wants to play, even if it should've been obvious he corrected the CF experiment after one match.

 

[Jadentheman]

The only issue I have with Xavi is his club de amigos philosophy. Everything else is kinda unfair to him.

 

[iniestaGOAT]

I consider Kessie and Christensen something to be optimistic about at least in my eyes.

But the other rumors such as Morata, Azpilicueta, Alonso, Soler, or any other bang average Spanish player takes the wind out of the sails for me.

Azpilicueta will bring much needed grit to the back like along with araujo. Sign him up laporta.