SUMMARY
- Jose Mourinho was fired from AS Roma on January 16, 2024 and is now rumored to be heading to Barcelona due to their recent struggles.
- FC Barcelona have not performed as per their expectations this season so far.
On January 16, 2024, Jose Mourinho was dismissed from his role as manager at AS Roma. Jose Mourinho, the serial winner, is already being linked with a move to Barcelona after their recent struggles. FC Barcelona have not performed as per their expectations this season so far.
Languishing in 4th, 8 points behind the league leader, Girona with a game in hand. Xavi is currently under massive pressure to turn things around. Winning last season’s title by 10 points many had expected Barcelona to perform at similar standards.
Facing a recent 4-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, fans are shivering to think if Xavi is the right man to succeed. With defensive struggle being the major issue, Jorge Mendes, Jose Mourinho’s agent, has put his name on the table to Joan Laoprta, Barcelona’s president.
🚨🌑| Jorge Mendes has offered Jose Mourinho to Joan Laporta to replace Xavi as FC Barcelona’s manager. @elnacionalcat pic.twitter.com/7SQZE6QfQt
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) January 17, 2024
Defensive stability has been a major issue for Barcelona this season. Conceding several goals in the transition phase of play, and lacking midfield stability. Many believe Jose Mourinho will be perfect for FC Barcelona to help them restructure the team. And will also bring in the vital experience of a serial winner towards this young team.
Xavi losing the dressing room
The Barcelona dressing room is reportedly losing faith in Xavi as manager after a series of poor results. Several first-team squad members are reportedly questioning Xavi’s tactics and squad selection. That he has not been tough on certain members of the squad.
🚨🚨🌕| BREAKING: Several Barça players have been questioning the team’s approach for a while. They are also annoyed that Xavi said they have not been able to adapt to Barça’s style of play.
Some players feel Xavi has not been as tough on certain members of the squad. @espn pic.twitter.com/swwF96lkGd
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) January 16, 2024
Facing the recent El Clasico defeat Xavi said, “Disappointed, sad. We had a lot of hope, a lot of enthusiasm and we had the worst game of all.” He further added, “Madrid have done us a lot of damage on the counter, we have not stopped those counters, and today we have to live the bitter side of football.”
Apologizing to the fans he said, “I apologize to the fans because we have shown a poor display. I have lived through very tough defeats and we have recovered. Barca will return.” Confirming the fans that the turn of fortunes will happen, it will be interesting to see how much time will be given to the Spaniard shortly.
Pep Guardiola defends Xavi after the recent El Clasico defeat
Pep Guardiola has been the manager to behold some of the biggest victories in FC Barcelona’s history. Already regarded as a legend for the Culers. Pep Guardiola went on to back his former teammate after the recent struggles of his beloved club.
Pep Guardiola is regarded as one of the best managers to ever grace the field. When asked about his former club after winning the FIFA “The Best” Manager award, Pep Guardiola said, “I want to give Xavi my support.”
He further added, “It is easy to blame the coach, but the players have to step up. There is no secret, they are the ones who play. Not everything is the coach’s fault.” Backing the role of a manager, Pep criticized the players that they also need to step up as they are the ones to play.
Backing the turn of fortunes he added, “The players have to take a step forward, if the coach stays until the end, the players have to show their quality, they have done it many times and will do it again.” Whether players stand by Xavi or not, players need to step forward as it will only benefit their careers in the future.