Barca need to beat Real Madrid and end the mini crisis
Barça are going through a mini-crisis of form and results. Two consecutive defeats. Only one win in the last four games. Eliminated from the Europa League in the first round. Bad feelings on the pitch... Xavi's anger after the debacle in Almeria is the clearest evidence that things are not working, at the moment, as he would like. The coach was very upset by his team's lack of intensity and passion in a game in which they could have sealed the league title. But, beyond the attitude, there was above all a problem of play that has been dragging on for weeks. Coinciding with the absence through injury of Pedri, the most talented player in the squad and the real leader of the new project.
It is not the best time, without doubt, to take on the trilogy of Clasicos that starts today with the first leg of the Copa semi-finals at the Bernabeu. Although this duel can also be seen as an opportunity to react and face the final stretch of the season with real options of achieving a double. Which, by the way, would be a great success. The problem is that, in addition to Pedri and Dembele (another key player for Xavi), Lewandowski will not be able to play in this first match against Madrid. And the coach will be forced to improvise a forward line (possibly with Raphinha and Ferran Torres, with Ansu as an alternative) that offers more doubts than guarantees.
Xavi is aware of the rollercoaster of emotions that the Cules are experiencing this season. And he wanted to redirect the mood of the most pessimistic in the press conference prior to the Copa del Rey derby. "I'm euphoric: we can win the league and the cup and we've already won the Spanish Super Cup," the coach announced. The coach also sees the game against Madrid as a great opportunity to silence the rumours and calm the nerves of those around him, although he clearly recognises that Los Blancos are favourites: "Madrid are favourites. I have to be honest, I don't mind saying it. They are the champions of La Liga and the Champions League and they are in a good moment, as they showed in Liverpool.
But he firmly believes in victory: "We have to be brave, but minimise our turnovers. It's a game to show personality and impose our style of play". Winning today at the Bernabéu would be the best way to restore the confidence of those who already doubt Barça.
