By their actions you will know them. Week after week, one of the aspects that unnerved Barcelona fans was seeing the distance between the analysis carried out in the press room and what was happening on the pitch. Xavi Hernández has begun to reduce that line. The Barcelona coach waited to be loaded with arguments to take measures, some unpopular and others expected. He now not only speaks in front of the microphone but also with his decisions.
Coinciding with the visit to Villamarín, it was a month and a day since the Barcelona coach’s very harsh speech after beating Almería in Montjuïc (3-2). That day Xavi laid the foundations for what should define his third season. Until that moment, Barcelona was cheating and his future was not at all promising. Since that talk at half-time against the bottom team – “the hardest I’ve ever done as a coach,” the coach admitted – the team has six wins in seven games, including the one against Almería.
The disaster in the Super Cup final, where Madrid beat them 4-1, cannot be ignored. It was a relapse. But from which Xavi has also learned some lessons. Villamarín’s 2-4 victory can be read as the victory of decisions that speak volumes.
Sacred cows, Cruyffista term, have seen their status curtailed. Last year, Xavi had no qualms about seating Piqué and Jordi Alba, two veterans and former teammates of his. This time, it is Lewandowski and João Félix, two different cases but with certain similarities. “Those who are better will play, those who give everything,” the man from Egarense stated on December 20. And he is fulfilling it.
The Pole, star signing of the summer of 2022, responded and was a key player in the last League title. In his first season he scored 33 goals in 46 games (0.71 per game) but he is not being able to maintain that record and now he scores less than one goal for every two performances: 12 goals in 27 games (0.44).
In the Betis field he neither shot nor dribbled. And in the 63rd minute Xavi replaced him when Barça had just received the 2-2 blow. It is the second time in 2024 that the Pole leaves the field early when the game is tied and his team needs goals. It already happened in Las Palmas when the duel was tied 1-1 with 18 minutes remaining. It turned out well for Xavi. Barça won both matches: 1-2 in Gran Canaria and 2-4 in Seville.
On the other hand, Lewandowski, 35 years old and who has another season plus an optional signed, did find the goal in Barbastro and in the two Super Cup games.
At the presentation on the 9th, Laporta thanked Pini Zahivi, his agent, as well as the representative Jorge Mendes when welcoming João Félix.
The Portuguese, who has just turned 24, is not signed, but on loan from Atlético, but it is above all a bet from the president. Xavi retired him at half-time against Almería and in 2024 he has only started in the Cup against Barbastro and Unionistas. Coming off the bench, he assisted Lamine Yamal in Riyadh and was decisive at Villamarín, making it 2-3 with a great shot from the outside. He kissed his shield, a sign that he wants to stay. It must be earned.
There is no greater demonstration of bravery with young people than a lineup with two 16-year-olds. Xavi chose Cubarsí, who turned 17 yesterday, when he could have put Sergi Roberto at right back instead of Koundé. Lamine Yamal was one of the standouts with 5 dribbles and two posts. Although it is not usual, the coach decided that he would play the entire game. The ownership of Fort (Barbastro) and Guiu (Unionistas) are other nods to La Masia.
Finally, few have trusted Ferran Torres as much as Xavi. Now they are both reaping the rewards. He has 11 goals and is two away from his best record, with City at 20-21. The Valencian represents the meritocracy of work and mental strength. The squad celebrated Villamarín’s victory together because these decisions have an impact on the collective benefit.