They lured him back to reimplement the style and winning ways the player once enjoyed. But Xavi's managerial term is currently under the microscope at Barcelona. The Spanish boss is in a snag, looking to reenergize the team with a Champions League win against Porto tomorrow. A victory books Barcelona's spot in the Round of 16.
Last October, Xavi celebrated his 100th game as club manager. He collected 63 wins, with his team scoring 191 goals. One month later, the Catalan giants are sitting in fourth place in La Liga, losing five of their first 14 matches of the season. They also sit perilously close to another Champions League group stage exit under Xavi.
Could Xavi get the sack if Barcelona loses to Porto tomorrow?
Barcelona president Joan Laporta assures Xavi's job is safe regardless of tomorrow's result against Porto.
“We are with Xavi. 100% guaranteed, our support will be total. He's our manager and we are proud to have him as a coach,” said Laporta.
Xavi, who just extended his Barcelona contract last September until 2025, echoes the board's backing. “I feel the support from the club and from the president. Strong support. No doubts on that.” Xavi is already working on raiding Bayern Munich for Joshua Kimmich this summer.
But according to respected journalist Javi Miguel, Xavi is well aware of a must-win tomorrow against Porto who are chasing Barcelona's top spot in Group H.
So far, Xavi has only won five Champions League matches as boss, losing five and drawing two. To make matters worse, the Blaugrana are without teenage diehard Gavi for the rest of the season.
Right now is Xavi's biggest test as manager, one that he insists can no longer pin on referees. “We haven't had luck with the refereeing,” he said. “And that's not an excuse. We have to play better. But refereeing errors have hurt us, too. So far we haven't had any luck.”
During today's pre-game conference, Barcelona's four-time Champion League title winner as a player kept it short and sweet: “We have to get our winning mentality back,” he said. And for that, Xavi needs new tactics while also playing his best XI.
Xavi's record in Champions League as Barcelona manager
| Matches | W | D | L |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 5 | 2 | 5 |
Xavi's overall managerial record at Barcelona
| Matches | W | D | L |
|---|---|---|---|
| 108 | 68 | 19 | 21 |
Photo: Twitter/totalbarca
