A big task is ahead of Xavi. The new Barcelona coach has a lot of work to do, from the training ground to the future signings. The amount of work looks to be bigger by the day, and if feels like the former Barca great needs more than 24 hours per day to finish everything. Xavi has already managed to fire two Barcelona physios hired by Ronald Koeman, cancel the upcoming Pique interview for El Horminguero, and bring new training rules, which includes breakfast and lunch in the Barcelona facilities before and after training, in order to force a proper diet for the players. Players will also have to do additional work in the gym with physios present, as a way to gain more fitness in order to prevent injuries. New rules in the dressing room will also apply, which means punishments and awards will be brought back after several years. Xavi’s first day at work and the Coutinho caseOn the other hand, there is a constant analysis of the players available, as well as possibilities for new faces in January. Xavi said to the players they they all have a clean slate, but surely, he watched tapes and has seen enough to have at least a vague idea who is not on Barca’s level. And according to the reports, his conclusion is similar to Koeman’s: the club can do without Neto, Clement Lenglet, Samuel Umtiti, Philippe Coutinho, Martin Braithwaite, and Luuk de Jong. Some of those names have been already on the market, like often injured high earners Umtiti and Coutinho, while Braithwaite and De Jong are just not good for Barcelona, no matter who is the coach. Xavi reveals he waived Brazil to pursue his Barca dreamXavi is also looking ahead, as January transfer window is just ahead, and he knows he needs proper players. So far, his biggest need is in attack. As we said before, Braithwaite and De Jong are not on the level and Ansu Fati is often injured, as Sergio Aguero, so Memphis Depay cannot stay the only Barca forward, which means a striker is desperately needed. Bought or loaned, doesn’t really matter. One of the most talked-about players in recent weeks is Raheem Sterling, who has played a total of 376 minutes in Manchester City and although he is not a classic striker, he could do wonders in the front three. Barca are also looking for a possible loan deals for Edinson Cavani and Timo Werner. The Uruguayan is far behind in Manchester, while Werner just cannot find his rhythm in Chelsea, even with Tuchel in charge.
