There are four games left with a goal that is not very exciting as well as necessary. Getting second place is vital for a club where every million counts. The second place implies about 50 million in income. It is also the passport to go to Saudi Arabia to play in the Super Cup and it represents an entry of seven million to start. Another million if Barça reaches the final and two more if they lift the title. Television rights and future sponsorship agreements remain on the sidelines. On the sidelines travels the pride and self-esteem of a club that sees how Real Madrid, its communicating vessel, has been living for a few years in a situation opposite to that of the Barcelona fans. Next year, in the absence of official status, Kylian Mbappé will join.

With Girona also pushing for that second place and after drawing in Mendizorrotza against Alavés, Xavi has spoken a lot with his players. “It is not a relief that Girona loses points. It is a relief if we add them.” The course is ending and it is time to make notes. Without any titles in the showcases, Xavi used the mea culpa. “As a staff we have done self-criticism. Playing without a defensive pivot has taken its toll on us. We have to regain balance. Last year we were good. The lack of balance has weighed heavily on us. We have not been up to par,” he confessed.

Parallel to the fight for second place, Xavi and the sports leadership are already working on planning the next season. “It’s the same whether we come second or not. With Deco it is already agreed upon. That there is competitiveness is the objective and the most important thing in planning. And if. There are players who can change the dynamic and the situation if they play four good games,” he stressed about the Txuri Urdin team who are vying to enter Europe next year. “They are a physically strong team and they don’t let you make transitions. It can make things very difficult for you. In Anoeta it was difficult to go out and progress. It will be a tough game without a doubt,” said Xavi, remembering that Barça won by the minimum with a goal from Ronald Araújo in injury time. After Real Sociedad, Barça will visit the already relegated Almería field, host Rayo Vallecano and close the season in Seville. None of these last three teams have anything at stake.

Then it’s time to take action. In approximately two weeks, Barcelona will be able to draw a first estimated map and know the amount it will be able to invest in signings. Also if you can reinforce the staff under the 1-1 rule, that is, be able to invest the same amount that you achieve with sales. The priority of Xavi and the sports management team led by Deco is to sign a pivot. They have Guido from Betis under control, who would arrive at zero cost, and they continue to think about Kimmich or Zubimendi, from Real Sociedad. “I already said last year that Zubimendi seems like a very good footballer to me. But not only him, also Oyarzábal, Mikel Merino, Kubo… it is a great team and an immense coach like Imanol,” Xavi insisted.

The coach’s list also includes an interior, a winger and a center forward. And of course ensure the continuity of the youngest. This week the club renewed Pau Cubarsí until 2027, news greatly celebrated by the coaching staff. “Young people are the footballers who make a difference. Héctor Fort, Marc Guiu we hope they renew soon, negotiations are underway. We count on them a lot, it is great news for the present and the future of the club that they continue,” said Xavi.

Also on the coach’s list of duties is deciding the future of the five on loan: Ansu Fati, Lenglet, Pablo Torre, Julián Araújo and Eric Garcia. At the moment, the coaching staff is only considering the return of the latter, from a loan at Girona. All in a summer with a Euro Cup and the Olympic Games on the horizon. Barcelona has already entered into talks with the RFEF to avoid doubles. This is the case of Lamine Yamal. Others like Pedri are working among cottons. “It doesn’t depend on me whether I go to the European Championship. There is a selector. I see him well, training one hundred percent. We have tried to manage his situation and he is fine,” said Xavi.