Barca Chiefs ‘Losing Faith’ In Xavi After Classico Huge Defeat 

Following Barcelona devastating 4-1 loss to rival Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana final, Xavi has been the subject of speculation about his future.

According to Joan Fontes of Bar Cantales, the Barcelona chiefs—including President Joan Laporta and Sporting Director Deco—has begun to lose faith in the erstwhile midfield sensation as a result of the loss, raising concerns about Xavi’s future at the team. According to the source, Deco has begun to have doubts about the decision to sign Ilkay Gundogan, the captain of Manchester City who won three trophies.

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Despite the reports from Fontes, Mundo Deportivo and SPORT, the two leading Catalan news outlets, have claimed that the leadership at the club are fully sure of Xavi and are behind him. They believe he is still the right man for the job despite their Clasico thrashing.

After the match, Deco spoke to the media about the loss. He said (via Toni Juanmarti): “It’s a tough defeat. Furthermore, we have not been able to fight. We have to continue and think about the Cup.”

Pressed on Xavi’s future, the sporting director quelled rumours of his sacking, as he explained: “This question doesn’t make any sense. The coach continues to have everyone’s trust. It is a defeat that does not change anything in that aspect.”

On Thursday, January 18, Xavi’s team plays Unionista de Salamanca, a third-tier team, in the Copa del Rey. He doesn’t have much time to recuperate his team. As the cup might be the Catalan team’s only opportunity to win a trophy this season, Xavi will probably deploy a full strength group.