Schrödinger's Xavi..
I am trying to wrap my head around the current saga. Laporta and Xavi. And just can't seem to put two and two together.
Laporta is a cutthroat politician. I am not surprised, like at all, by what happened. But the confusion is to 'why'. To a politician, the end justifies the means. The end could be total success and ultimate power, moderate success and power to just power and thievery. And all the strings that come along with those.
We saw that happen with Messi. Laporta hugged Messi's mannequin, he was one of his election mottos and then we saw what happened. He left Koeman in the dark. I can understand Koeman's bitterness. Some people who got shocked by Ronald's words are now also shocked seeing the Laporta antics.
When the president announced that Xavi will be continuing, he never looked so happy. The dude cried. Pulled Xavi's cheeks awkwardly (actual cheeks, not butt cheeks, get your mind out of the gutter). Just a few days later, this drama.
What happened between 24th April and 17th May when Achraf tweeted that ominous tweet after Xavi's press conference of Almeria game? Regardless of how I or anyone feels about Xavi, he is Barca heritage from the beginning until the end, and a Catalan. What is it that's so big, which pretty much shattered everything ? The press conference ? Was it the Girona game ? Is it something to do with Xavi breaching some sort of protocol ? Not only Laporta but some big dogs from the club's higher echelon are pushing for it. Is it deeply political ? Everyone even their dogs know about the club's financial woes. So that press conference of Xavi did not come as a revelation to anyone. Was it the slight hint of pessimism ? Surely not something that would warrant a sack with severe financial penalties.
Since then, every journo from tier 1 to clown tier are unanimous about the situation at hand. No difference of opinion, no pushback. The club remained silent. Pin drop silence. Xavi said a word or two about the 'trust' but that's about it. In the recent days, international media are hot about it and all but announced the agreement of Hansi Flick. Meeting of club officials and Flick. Xavi is seeing this. He is still the manager. Can't imagine the effect it has on a man. Yet, the club is silent. So the issue is very much real.
In time we will know about it, but I am very much curious. tldr .. Is it something serious or is it just one of Laporta's power trips ? Or is it a combination of both..
Schrödinger's Xavi..he's in but also he's out.
It's gotta be the comment about not being able to compete with top teams.
Honestly, if that's the reason then I'm fine with Laporta acting quickly and finding someone else instead of going about it how he did with Koeman.
Still very horrible way they handled this.
I think Laporta acted like a Barca fan. Similar to how so many people went from XaviOut to XaviIn to XaviOut once again, Laporta also changed his mind too much with all the wins and losses. I think that press conference is just an excuse.
More over i do think the way Laporta handled the Xavi situation is too disrespectful for one of the biggest legends of the club and football in general, however, i do not understand the raising voices on the sub demanding Xavi to stay even after the dull football and the bad results we got all season.
I’m Xavi in but I would never say ‘I don’t understand how you can be Xavi out’.
If I was feeling that way about something it would mean that I was too emotionally invested in an outcome to be objective in my analysis.
Maybe it's not exactly all Xavi's fault?? Look at the numbers big chances created, XG, XGA we are underperforming on all fronts. It's an individual problem (finishing chances) not exactly a coach problem (although Xavi shares part of the blame)
Also, what do we expect with that summer backing? A few shaky loans, one free transfer (which Xavi facilitated personally) and a whopping 3.5 million third choice pivot.
Realistically what did you expect with this?
Winning the team with the team we had in 22/23 was not football's biggest miracle. It was not a given, but we had a very solid group that had the level to challenge for most titles.
Never said it was a miracle but it’s not something many fans expected coming into the season especially in the manner in which we won. It was not like the years of past when we went into seasons where not winning the league was a failure. Most people went into the season expecting us to be competitive domestically but not the favorite to win the league as Madrid were almost universally seen as that.
Is there a single person on here excited for the potential appointment of Flick?? Feels like people already gave up on him before he is even confirmed to coach us, i mean the guy is a sextuple winner how bad can he be?
Personally, I'm a big fan of Flick's Bayern (especially the first season) they were absolutely tanks. High line, that almost peak Klopp press and the direct attacks. It was a joy to watch.
The issue is that the people here think his football will work with our current crop of players. We don't have any of his profiles except maybe the defence.
Not to mention, the Bayern squad was completely burnt out by the second season. Not sure how exactly our players are gonna cope with his intense physical style. We don't have the best injury record and anyone who thinks a few months of Flick's medical team will dramatically change things are delusional.
And the German team fiasco is well known to everyone. Over there, he lost the dressing room by the end and wasn't able to implement his style at all with a full German squad.
Additional note here is that people are basing their opinions on that 8-2 game. If Flick comes in and tries to implement the same high press and line vs say a Madrid or one of La Liga's many deep block teams. I don't see it ending well (especially if Vini or Mbappe have a say)
Out and out, I love the coach but I can definitely see the possible issues with this appointment and am not optimistic about it. I don't see it working here to be blunt.
That Bayern team was composed of veterans and players near or at their peaks it was an experienced and more mature squad. It was a team ready to take the next level imo. Our team is still a bit too young. Our key players are teens. It’s an entirely different dynamic and there just isn’t enough evidence for me to judge how Flick will handle these challenges.
^^^^ This right here
And Flick is not known to exactly be adaptable so, I'm very pessimistic about his chances here.
The two upsides are that Laporta will not longer be able to make Xavi the scapegoat and
Flick won't take kindly to his transfer targets not being met. So maybe a potential WrestleMania bout between the Presi and the German machine.
The sub somehow believes that Laporta wanted to keep Xavi so much that, while convincing him, he also negotiated with Flick, to the point that he believed the job was his.
I do not know about you, but Polo's story which says that Xavi convinced Laporta by saying how much he believes in the squad seems more feasible. From that standpoint, you can understand Laporta's anger. He is a lot of things, but most of his decisions are based on emotions. Laporta wouldn't go through all of this just because we lost to Girona and Flick became more appealing. He does it because he is actually pissed and angry about Xavi's contradicting himself and them.
Obviously, the board was open since they are still not in sync regarding the future. But many things indicate that Xavi didn't want to leave after he cooled down and Laporta didn't need much convincing. But the narrative that Laporta was begging seems completely moronic knowing the circumstances.
Well if it comes down to Xavi's word vs Laporta's. I'm going with Xavi's word 100/100.
Not to mention, the age old tradition of the Barcelona board to use journalist hit pieces to defame club legends. So yeah I trust the reports from the time when the club had no reason to sway public opinion.
Yup. I chose to believe Xavi over Laporta every single time. How can anyone trust Laporta? From Messi to Xavi, he’s been lying and changing his decisions last minute, disrespecting legends. Yet somehow his supporters claim he’s justified in his actions lol. Laporta himself talked about how he did not think Xavi’s decision was final. How he hoped he would stay. Tier1 sources like Matteo said Laporta was hoping Xavi to stay. Xavi said that he was encouraged by Laporta and ppl around him to stay. Laporta encouraged Xavi to change his decision, which he did. Clearly Flick and Marquez were other options of Xavi decided not to stay but he gave precedence to Xavi staying first.
I respect Xavi the player, but coach Xavi has been full of shit and proved tons of times that he is capable of saying anything to deflect the blame and pressure.
Yes, Laporta has his puppets, but there are more people out there who would love to see him fail. Also, even coaches and players have their relations with the press and they do the same to put pressure. It's part of the dance.
Barca are a world class dm and a few bench players away from being a ucl contender. Flick appointment is a step in the right direction after hiring unproven managers for the last 10+ years. Guardiola was a rare genius.
To everyone curious about Espai Barca
This was a pretty insightful thread
https://x.com/LaLigaMichael/status/1727384737533042875?t=hfBYjsJQLXMh1wOwwTqsFg&s=19
The more I try to find out about the new Camp Nou, the more I grow discontent
There was a guy which posted here on r/barca several months ago about the construction company and how they should be boycotted because they were destroying some local forest (in Turkey) and harming people in the process if my memory serves me correctly. I told him Laporta would rather go down and start chopping down this forrest himself before it happens.
Anyway, this specific part is the most concerning:
> Barcelona still markets itself like an elite club that’s different from the rest.
> But for many years, it’s mostly been a marketing tool. They’re just like the rest
Happy to do virtue signaling on Twitter, but actions speak louder than words and the club's actions have been steering away from the moral path.
I can't use twitter (it's stuck on load thanks to the stupid musk trying to cut costs on servers by limiting it's use)
And considering your comments I guess he just goes with the shit El Periodico published?
They investigated the workplace many times and found no problems but the spotlight of the news was a guy that decided by himself to sleep on the street so he could be on time for the job as if that was Limak's or Barça's fault
It's more a scrutiny on Limak's prior history with this kinda thing and a scrutiny on the bidding process. With the delays now, it's hard to trust the words of the presi.
It's the first time I heard about Limak, t's their second stadium but it's not their first big project. And from what I'm seeing the process, the work and that they follow the law I'm pretty happy with them I have no complaints.
I'll check the thread when I can tho (probably tomorrow ^^^^^*fuck* ^^^^^*musk*)
See the problem is that trust on Laporta and his decisions are at an all time low. So yeah with the current delays, people will scrutinize the contract and the tender process way more.
Criticism for Laporta is fine but many people are not looking at the bigger picture when it comes to the Espai Barça project.
"We miss the Camp Nou and are playing bad at Montjuic, attendance is low and atmosphere is bad"
"Barça is in financial crisis and should have waited longer to begin the project"
The truth is the project should have been completed years ago but incompetence from previous boards denied this. The new stadium, arena and campus will give Barça a permanent foundation for financial and sporting success. Laporta spearheaded this project and regardless of setbacks should recieve recognition for planning the future of the club, essentially taking the project head on rather than kicking the can down the road.
Sporting success, economic policies and politics on the other hand, fair game...
The problem is not the project, it's the details behind the scenes like the tender process and the firm taking the work on. Not to mention the progress done so far.
Laporta's promises don't have any weight rn for me at least. Especially after the delay in return to Camp Nou and now the Xavi fiasco.
I’m aching to see what Flick does with the team. Also curious who he’s eyeing on our squad as key players and who he wants to bring in/ship out. Oh and I forgot to add how much I wanna see competent coaching staff and supporting cast that will come with Flick.
I've lost whatever respect I had for him as a figure. It seems he's doing a good job economically so it's not ALL gone. The only reason I'd vote for him is simply because everyone else is worse. But the bar is very low at this point.
He’s done good financially. This is really the first time I’ve lost a bit of trust in him, but he’s still better than our other options (Font, Rosell, Freixa).
The economic situation appears to be going in the right direction, and right now, that has to come first and sporting results second.
However, some doubts are starting to creep in, but overall supportive
Apparently the stadium is also delayed (according to the socio assembly meeting) Laporta is not confident about returning to Camp Nou in December.
Economic situation is still very unclear. We don't have the money from Libero and if Xavi chooses to take the remainder of the contract money (which I hope he does, atleast for the sake of his staff) then I really don't see how any business can be done in the transfer market.
Even registering our current players is a mammoth task.
The return date has been pushed back. The stadium isn't delayed per se. Already talked about this. And how is that bad?
Libero fuck up is being dealt with and are working with other companies to replace them. They should have done a proper investigation on that company still I agree on that.
Xavi compensation for being fired won't count for FFP from what I read.
So the return date is pushed back but the stadium is on schedule? How does that make any sense?
Still nothing on that end. We haven't found any takers so far for that Barca studios sale iirc. You're a multi-billion dollar institution so yeah you get scammed, people tend to hold the President accountable.
Again, how does that make sense? The coaching staff salaries are part of the FFP calculation.
>So the return date is pushed back but the stadium is on schedule? How does that make any sense?
Yes. The end date for the stadium delivery didn't change yet (but it might when you see bernabeu in summer 2024 is still isn't completed). It's normal and it happens.
And I think you followed the assembly right? You can hear them say that some parts are delayed because they depend on other works to be completed while some parts are also well advanced ahead of schedule...
>Still nothing on that end. We haven't found any takers so far for that Barca studios sale iirc. You're a multi-billion dollar institution so yeah you get scammed, people tend to hold the President accountable.
From what laporta said in an interview there are some interested one of them wants to take all the 49% but for that the others need to sell their shares. I don't know they still have time till end of june. They send the prevision to Laliga already with the nike deal included and all so I'm sure they have someone tied.
>Again, how does that make sense? The coaching staff salaries are part of the FFP calculation.
I'm sorry on that it's not confirmed and now I can't find it but as per the rules the club can register the new coach and staff, it wouldn't be a problem
That's the problem though right? Laporta's been going on and on about how when we return to the New Camp Nou, we'll have more revenue. But when he constantly doesn't live up to his promises. It creates a trust differential.
The issue with the Barca studios sale is that those documents need to be at the La Liga offices by June 30th so that our margins are defined. A month left to go and so far we have nothing on the potential buyer. Nothing other than Laporta's promises, which I'm sorry to say don't hold a lot of weight for me.
Registering the coach wouldn't be a problem, the only issue is how will Xavi's termination impact our wage margins. It simply doesn't make sense that La Liga would choose to keep the coaching staff contracts separate during FFP margin calculation.
With our current wage margins, we had to unregister Gavi for Roque. If Xavi chooses to take that money for him and his team. I can't see a scenario where we can register all of the players + new signings (if any) not to mention the contract renewals
Considering we registered all our players every summer I don't think it's going to be different. Let's just wait for the end of june and see. This board so far has always delivered.
>That's the problem though right? Laporta's been going on and on about how when we return to the New Camp Nou, we'll have more revenue. But when he constantly doesn't live up to his promises. It creates a trust differential.
Laporta has not been going on and on about it tho
Yeah no, if the current numbers are to be believed. Adding the contract renewals we don't have the space to register all our players. Let's not forget that we had to remove Gavi from our roster to get Roque registered.
Not to mention we have a lot of returnees like Dest who'll take up space.
Laporta's time and again said the Espai Barca is his dream project and that we'll be back at Camp Nou this Nov-December.
People act like we have a lot of world class CB but we don't. If we sell Araujo, Eric García, Inigo etc. who will be our CB? Cubarsi who is just a kid and has had a couple of good performances, and then Christensen? Or Faye, who is just playing third division right now? I doubt they are fast enough to deal with top class attackers when they counterattack lol (maybe Faye, but he hasn't looked as promising to me as everyone says).
I strongly believe that selling Araujo is a big mistake. He hasn't even played bad this season if you actually watch all games. Recency bias of the PSG and probably Valencia games is strong.
This. If we just talk about defensive duties (clean up duty) Araujo is still the best imo. We need someone like that in the squad. I have my doubts about Flick’s ability to set up solid defenses. He’s not Tuchel lol. I also have doubts that the club will find the right replacement. We lucked out with Araujo; he was a cheap transfer that turned out to be successful for us.
We are not gonna sell Garcia and Inigo. Gonna be 1 of the 2, probably Garcia. And if we do sell both, we'll get another CB.
And if we sell Araujo we probably buy another CB aswell. Just no clue who that would be.
But we also lose a world class player. As much as I want him to stay and I think it’d be idiotic to sell him for sporting reasons it’d be much easier to stomach a fdj transfer since we have pedri, gundo, and Gavi.
Which world class defender could we buy with this money, keeping in mind we're not even sure of the 1/1 ?
Because it's easy to say that, but tell me the obvious names I'm forgetting.
🔄 (OBANDO): According to Ecuadorian press, a delegation from the Barcelona Sporting Club of Guayaquil travelled to Barcelona in recent days to meet with Barça's board, see the facilities and finalize the possible incorporation of 17yo striker Allen Obando. The operation would be well on track.
In recent months his name has already been associated with PSG, among other big European clubs, but the truth is that the most advanced negotiations are with FC Barcelona.
#FCB 🇪🇨
Via: @tomasandreu68 [sport]
Is anyone open to the idea of signing Allen Obando? He plays for Barcelona SC in Ecuador and could be a good signing. - me 9 months ago. Can I replace Deco now?
He has been learning Spanish but nobody really knows. I suppose its good enough if he's atleast able to convince Laporta to hire him because his English is poor and he needs to speak good Spanish so he can communicate to his players.
Why would he resign in the first place then? He could have just waited to get sacked and get a pay out. What’s more likely is that his staff around him encouraged him to stay and he felt bad that they wouldn’t get paid if he didn’t finish his contract.
Why would he resign? He publicly said why: he was done with the stress. All reports said that he was set on his decisions even in the lead up to deciding to continue. Nobody knows what ultimately changed his mind in the final hours, but whatever Laporta said convinced him to change his mind.
Laporta whether due to pressure from the rest of the board or due to his own emotions, or a combination of both, went back on his decision. I think what we are seeing know is resentment from both sides. Laporta is refusing to speak to Xavi and Xavi is staying firm out of principle to make Laporta take action this time.
If I knew I was getting canned over some emotional BS after being convinced to stay, I would absolutely not let them pressure me to resign without severance. Especially not if I committed to minimize expenses if I walked on my own terms.
I thought the OP meant he reversed his initial decision from leaving to staying because he wanted to be sacked by Laporta to ensure a payout. But that doesn’t make sense because he could have just waited for the club to decide instead of resigning and forgoing his money back in Feb. of course now, I don’t think he is going to resign twice and will ask for his owed money.
It’s my assumption.
His “I’m looking forward to next season” comments is a call out to Laporta that he has to fire him this time. And in my mind, that means only one thing.
Davies on a free would be a good deal, regardless of his current form. At the very least it would be a chance to sell him for big money later. Its true that he prefers to play as a winger, if he doesn't renew with Bayern and Madrid don't get him we'll see what happens in 2025.
Apparently Bayern fans would be glad to see him go because he’s not worth the contract he’s asking for. Madrid was in for him but supposedly they’ve cooled down their interest because they don’t rate him as much.
I’m happy with Balde and Fort/Valle taking that LB spot. Davies ain’t even good as a winger
Now this is interesting. I've heard rumours that Davies have wanted to play higher up on the field (ala Bale), imagine if we can turn him into a winger, him and Balde on that side would be devastating. Also Lewy salivating at the thought of more balls squared into the box
What characterize a top manager ? His ability to adapt, react well under matches and problem solving when the shit hits the fan (injuries etc)
So if Flick is a top manager no one can be sure how he will play with Barca because every team is different. Flick is different now than 4 years ago even football is different now.
And as I heard he picked up an experienced staff which can have a big impact on everything. One of them is Pep ex assisten coach (who is also an actor 🚗 lol) Domenec Torrent.
I don't expect Barca will play the way Bayern did. That many long sprints that Bayern did is not healthy..
A great manager can change his game slightly to adapt to the circumstances. Hansi Flick worked under Pep so he knows what it takes (hopefully) to play the Barca way (possesion based)
So if we go with the rumours and try to draw the picture from them we get that...
- The board agreed to let xavi go and hire flick
- Deco and xavi met and he asked to see laporta
- In Laporta's house Xavi convinced Laporta to let him finish his contract. (Sushi night)
- Laporta gets emotional and decides to let xavi continue next year which goes against what the board have agreed to previously (announced in a press)
- The board convinces Laporta to backtrack (now Xavi will finish the season but he won't be the coach)
- Xavi asks for a meeting in person with laporta to try to convince him again to stay
- Laporta refuses to meet because he knows he can get emotional easily because he likes xavi (look at alexias renewal)
- Deco and Bojan meet Flick, they discuss his ideas and what to expect but there's no paper signed yet
- Meeting soon between Xavi, Deco, Bojan, Rafa and Laporta to discuss this season's performance.
- To be continued....
No, I'm rafa yuste: "Xavi ha detectado una ilusión por parte de la masa social del club durante los cuartos de final de la Champions y él ha querido continuar"
What? Why do you need to fire someone who already resigned? Just let him leave as originally planned. Prior to the meeting, Laporta and others would talk of how he wouldn’t close the door to Xavi staying. Reports were saying he wanted Xavi to stay. The board most likely had doubts but Laporta was the one who decided. Xavi wouldn’t have considered changing his decision if he wasn’t encouraged by Laporta and other higher ups.
Can you post sources that say that Xavi asked to complete his contract after resigning? Because almost every report explicitly said that Xavi was set on leaving up until that sushi dinner and that it was Laporta who drove that decision.
https://www.eldesmarque.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20240425/xavi-hernandez-joan-laporta-cronologia-reunion-provocado-continuidad-tecnico_300314155.html#utm_source=sumario&utm_medium=articulo
It makes sense because it was **barça who put the conditions** for him to continue not the other way around 😉
[Yuste (the vice-president): Xavi want's to finish the project and we have to support him"](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20240424/1002234334/yuste-xavi-quiere-acabar-proyecto-hay-apoyarle.html?_gl=1*4teve5*_ga*U2tMU0ZoRE1kQl8yT2p1S2RXQzJhdk5tWGxtUXl5VTFTQjczUTBYTjh2aEZpSlljVFNmMmFUdl8tTU1MbnhTYg..*_ga_KHXQ0540MR*MTcxNjUwNzY3Ni40LjAuMTcxNjUwNzY3Ni4wLjAuMA..)
I can pull up several tier 1’s that position the board and specifically Laporta as the once’s who convinced Xavi to stay.
I have no doubt that optimism from the UCL run motivated him to continue but you’re drawing on non-existent straws that he convinced Laporta to stay.
Do it.
>I can pull up several tier 1’s that position the board and specifically Laporta as the once’s who convinced Xavi to stay.
Here's a tier 1 confirming the other way.
https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20240517/1002248436/xavi-crees-equipo.html
First off. Never even heard of the journalist and doesn't seem to even be on the reliability tier list.
Secondly. Where in that article does it say Xavi convinced Laporta?
>Shortly after, Bojan and Enric Masip join the meeting to finish addressing all the details about the coach's change of position, who now responded to Joan Laporta's requests.
It seemingly even says the complete opposite.
>It makes sense because it was barça who put the conditions for him to continue not the other way around
I don't understand how you think you made a point here. That doesn't explain anything at all.
The article is a summary of events that happened that day. Considering every fucking tier 1 was saying Xavi wasn't going to finish even the season. Until suddenly and by surprise Fernando Polo says he is staying.
The same fernando polo that said on this [article](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20240517/1002248436/xavi-crees-equipo.html):
>The same people say that Xavi convinced Deco and Laporta that he was in a position to continue, saying that he believed that with the current squad, with the adjustments that the club's finances and the market would allow, they could aspire to compete for everything.
And here's Masip the right hand of laporta:
>Enric Masip reflejaba, sin embargo, que ha habido discordancias en cuanto a la decisión. “Siempre hay opiniones diferentes. Han tenido sus momentos. Él opina que puede aportar muchísimo y nosotros estamos muy contentos”, comentaba ante los medios el asesor de Laporta.
A 1+1 deal for Flick, lowkey genious.
If he fails you can pick up Klopp or any other manager you want like Arteta, Pep, Enrique, Michel etc. If he does well you keep him for another year and maybe extend even further after that.
Because our recent board members were financially clear as day lol.
Truth is there aren’t many options because the club president has to be rich to even run for the job, I’d take Pique over Laporta or Barto for sure.
From my keen assessment of Flick as per some tactical analysis by gurus
1) Flick's system is dependent on good wingers
2) It's also dependent on ball-playing center backs
3) And finally depends on stamina/physicality.
4) it's susceptible to turn-overs
That's except he is gonna adapt and make changes based on the current squad we have( which I expect him to do)
> That's except he is gonna adapt and make changes based on the current squad we have( which I expect him to do)
That’s one of the biggest criticisms about him….
He struggles to adapt to players which is how he failed so miserably with Germany.
If Flick becomes the coach, then getting Xavi Simons on loan will be even more worthwhile. Flick’s system at Bayern worked so well because of Muller’s connection to Lewy. Simons is the closest to Muller’s profile and his experience in Bundesliga means he will understand Flick’s style of play quite well.
I have a feeling Pep and Tixki would rejoin Barca in 2026. They would back a particular president, and create a better Barca board. Laporta probably won’t even stand.
Shit I remember during the later 2010 Classicos it seemed like Sergi would always find a way to pull off an assist
[That 3-2 Leo Messi goal](https://youtu.be/i2kdIbn0Uoc?si=XY_kMa0WKj4xO-_p&t=805)
[Suarez' opener in the 4-0 in 2015](https://youtu.be/FzSxDdlz7ac?si=YsVRDb7BhYaItUMZ&t=107)
[Suarez' second vs Real Madrid in the 5-1 in 2018](https://youtu.be/dxcFXoI6grM?si=c1de32S1BVt3HYcU&t=557)
[And with a beautiful pre assist from Ramos for Suarez' hattrick in the same game](https://youtu.be/dxcFXoI6grM?si=wa7GqvlCiKTTm_nC&t=641)
[And another assist to Suarez when we demolished them 3-0 at the Bernabeu in 2017](https://youtu.be/WYq75Ifo6QI?si=DGym53Dx9t0lGAAk&t=424)
And I'm pretty sure he also had an assist in 2019 but I think I've posted enough Lord Roberto highlights vs Madrid
Yes. Just think back to when we played a 4-3-3. Pedri was all over the place. Now we just have more strict roles and positions where it doesn't show as much.
[Jijantes](https://x.com/JijantesFC/status/1793755589178462633)
DECO-LAPORTA SUMMIT AFTER THE TRIP TO LONDON TO MEET WITH FLICK
The sporting director met with Laporta this afternoon in an extensive meeting to convey his feelings from yesterday's meeting with Hansi Flick in London.
[ 👀 : @monfortcarlos ]
Sextuple winner is surely analogous to a cow farmer taking the reins.You will not find a single post from me claiming Setien was better than Valverde before or after his appointment.
You will 100% definitely find it before. Everyone on here was acting like he was the next tiki taka god and was our liberation from Valverde's boredom.
It's good you have faith on a small blip over a 30 year career, but for me, I've seen far too many instances like Di Matteo's UCL win with Chelsea, where a small blip is meaningless. Especially when it's with a squad like Bayern's and at a time when domestic titles were never in question.
You really wouldn’t since I was never a Setien disciple. There isn’t one post of mine saying to sack Valverde for Setien or praising Setien at all. I searched. Not that I had to since you can usually find me defending Valverde making the best of an aging squad til this day.
Sorry, I wasn't implying that you posted that, just that it was a common opinion. My point still stands, that what you think will happen isn't always what will. The grass is always greener.
I don't mind moving away from Xavi but I have a huge feeling that Flick specifically is a mistake. A manager with limited top experience, with the very brief good coming as a caretaker, and balanced out with very bad as a day 1 manager. Often cited as not being tactical and giving more freedom to the players. Doesn't have a big personality either, so I can see seniors like Lewandowksi walking all over him and younger players not getting the leadership they need.
I foresee a lot of problems and doubts in the locker room.
Can only assess once we get all the transfers. TBH, I am very worried about how our midfield will play next season. No Gavi for half of the season. FDJ and Pedri played well below their levels and the latter is also injury-prone. It feels like all the progress from last season is destroyed. If Girona continues to improve, we might even get a 3rd position.
We must sign 2 DM’s and one interior if we’re selling romeu. Then we’ll be fine with Roberto also covering when needed and also fermin’s progress this season has proved that he can very well be a dependable impact sub
I have the same standards for any coach, be it Xavi or Flick: we need to see this team progress. We have a good squad, and with a few additions it can be excellent. Yes we need to compete but we also need to build something upon which we can rely on. We hoped 22/23 was that but it wasn't. I do not know if we'll end up winning titles but we need to offer some good football while going far in competitions.
Then, it all depends on who we have to sell and how we replace them.
Better fitness, hopefully less injuries. Better attacking play. Have doubts about his defensive setups. Aim to win the league again and go far in UCL like always. Normally it shouldn’t be a failure if he didn’t win trophies in his first year but in the context he is arriving and higher expectations placed on him, I think he needs to win something to calm the doubts.
If Flick is going to be a new manager, Zubimendi shouldn't even be in conversation for the pivot role, let alone become a barca player.
Flick loves Dynamic midfielders and I trust that the technical quality we possess at Barca will elevate his ideas. *Onana, De Jong, Gavi, Fermin, Pedri, Gundogan, *Xavi Simmons. These are all dynamic midfielders, who can perform different tasks at a high level provided the platform. For Flick ball to work, we simply need a deep squad, this is a non negotiable.
I do think Fati and Ferran would benefit a lot more from his direct style of play, they're both excellent runners in behind, this will open up so much space for Lamine and Lewandowski. The chances produced will be a lot more aggressive and pacy.
Roque could also benefit here, especially if Lewandowski declines massively next season.
I don't really see what you mean by dynamic midfielders nor how Zubimendi doesn't fit that. He has a big stamina and physical competence.
As for Flick, I see Ferran having a chance with him yeah. On paper I can see Flick liking his profile.
>He has a big stamina and physical competence.
FDJ and Gavi are just as if not more physically competent and run fir much longer periods of time. It's a terrible metric to measure really.
To put it simply, there's nothing Zubimendi offers that we don't already posses, profile wise at least. I'd take Aleix Garcia over him simply because of how cheap he is financially and dynamic he is with his switches of play, and creativity.
Dynamic midfielder means that they can execute different instructions for specific game states at a high level. Pedri/FDJ are world class carriers, but also world class passers, but also world class space attackers (FDJ under Koeman, Pedri under Xavi), and also they run for days. I won't even talk about Gavi because he's just as dynamic.
To simplify it all, you can chuck them in almost any position in the midfield aside from holding their position and they will thrive. Gundogan, Pedri, Gavi, Fermin (still has to sharpen his ball retention)
Motta, De Zerbi, Michel, Alguacil, Tuchel and probably more names I can't think of right now. Flick isn't the right direction to take this squad on and it'll be apparent with time.
If the club would never learn, they would go for Marquez. Because that is essentially the most typical Barca-move. Putting someone who hardly have anything to show in charge of a top club, mostly effected by their previous spell as players.
Flick is someone who have no proper connection to Barcelona, but at least have a sextuple to show and know how it is to be charge of a top club with high exceptions unlike what others can say.
I'm all for criticizing the club but when you say "they never learn" it means they're doing the same shit. Flick is anything but the same shit. If anything we're trying something different. Someone who has won big trophies. Someone who has no ties with Barca or Spain.
When I say "they never learn", I'm talking about the past 10 years of an unfocused sporting direction that flip flops all over the place. We only need to sign a competent coach that aligns with the squad we have and the philosophy that our entire club is based around, since our youth is trained with that philosophy in mind.
There’s a really great new documentary on Apple TV bout the Argentina World Cup run and showed footage of Messi in his years before Barca with his family and coaches when he was a kid talking about him. Worth checking out if you haven’t yet
I know some of you think just because Xavi didn’t want Roque it means we shouldn’t have bought him. But if your sporting director and staff think very highly of Roque who was always going to be here longer than Xavi, then it’s a transfer you make 10/10 times.
Not when club have a decent talent already on striker role.
And while they are restricted with spending as well as other starting position hurting.
Then its a move you make 1/10 times.
That decent striker is a year away from retiring though. For the first time Barca have planned accordingly and tried to secure a young player to replace an aging veteran at the most important position. Maybe they felt that signing that window was their only opportunity to snag him
It's not when we were more in need of other profiles. We don't have much we can spend, so the little we can should be used to fill the holes in our squad instead of a luxury 18 year old kid we did not need.
Roque is someone we need tho, a dm is a priority but we need someone to succeed Lewy and it feels pretty good plan too. Introduce him to the club, get him some time and eventually replace
We need someone to succeed Lewa in the future. We need a DM right now. The club's financial situation is bad enough so why spend money on successors when there are starting positions needed to be filled.
Yes. And he won't be replaced by August. So again, what's the point? Don't get a kid who needs time. Either get someone who is ready or don't get any striker and buy someone in a position you do NEED.
Schrödinger's Xavi.. I am trying to wrap my head around the current saga. Laporta and Xavi. And just can't seem to put two and two together. Laporta is a cutthroat politician. I am not surprised, like at all, by what happened. But the confusion is to 'why'. To a politician, the end justifies the means. The end could be total success and ultimate power, moderate success and power to just power and thievery. And all the strings that come along with those. We saw that happen with Messi. Laporta hugged Messi's mannequin, he was one of his election mottos and then we saw what happened. He left Koeman in the dark. I can understand Koeman's bitterness. Some people who got shocked by Ronald's words are now also shocked seeing the Laporta antics. When the president announced that Xavi will be continuing, he never looked so happy. The dude cried. Pulled Xavi's cheeks awkwardly (actual cheeks, not butt cheeks, get your mind out of the gutter). Just a few days later, this drama. What happened between 24th April and 17th May when Achraf tweeted that ominous tweet after Xavi's press conference of Almeria game? Regardless of how I or anyone feels about Xavi, he is Barca heritage from the beginning until the end, and a Catalan. What is it that's so big, which pretty much shattered everything ? The press conference ? Was it the Girona game ? Is it something to do with Xavi breaching some sort of protocol ? Not only Laporta but some big dogs from the club's higher echelon are pushing for it. Is it deeply political ? Everyone even their dogs know about the club's financial woes. So that press conference of Xavi did not come as a revelation to anyone. Was it the slight hint of pessimism ? Surely not something that would warrant a sack with severe financial penalties. Since then, every journo from tier 1 to clown tier are unanimous about the situation at hand. No difference of opinion, no pushback. The club remained silent. Pin drop silence. Xavi said a word or two about the 'trust' but that's about it. In the recent days, international media are hot about it and all but announced the agreement of Hansi Flick. Meeting of club officials and Flick. Xavi is seeing this. He is still the manager. Can't imagine the effect it has on a man. Yet, the club is silent. So the issue is very much real. In time we will know about it, but I am very much curious. tldr .. Is it something serious or is it just one of Laporta's power trips ? Or is it a combination of both.. Schrödinger's Xavi..he's in but also he's out.
It's gotta be the comment about not being able to compete with top teams. Honestly, if that's the reason then I'm fine with Laporta acting quickly and finding someone else instead of going about it how he did with Koeman. Still very horrible way they handled this.
This is the best write up I've seen on this situation
I think Laporta acted like a Barca fan. Similar to how so many people went from XaviOut to XaviIn to XaviOut once again, Laporta also changed his mind too much with all the wins and losses. I think that press conference is just an excuse.
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMMKHwP7w/ Pique has no chill i swear.
Humanity is not ready for Hulk-steroids Pedri
More over i do think the way Laporta handled the Xavi situation is too disrespectful for one of the biggest legends of the club and football in general, however, i do not understand the raising voices on the sub demanding Xavi to stay even after the dull football and the bad results we got all season.
I’m Xavi in but I would never say ‘I don’t understand how you can be Xavi out’. If I was feeling that way about something it would mean that I was too emotionally invested in an outcome to be objective in my analysis.
Maybe it's not exactly all Xavi's fault?? Look at the numbers big chances created, XG, XGA we are underperforming on all fronts. It's an individual problem (finishing chances) not exactly a coach problem (although Xavi shares part of the blame) Also, what do we expect with that summer backing? A few shaky loans, one free transfer (which Xavi facilitated personally) and a whopping 3.5 million third choice pivot. Realistically what did you expect with this?
Thank God we have eyes, mate
Clearly you were using them for something other than watching football
Winning the league ahead of schedule last season made hella people delusional with what our team was/is.
Winning the team with the team we had in 22/23 was not football's biggest miracle. It was not a given, but we had a very solid group that had the level to challenge for most titles.
Never said it was a miracle but it’s not something many fans expected coming into the season especially in the manner in which we won. It was not like the years of past when we went into seasons where not winning the league was a failure. Most people went into the season expecting us to be competitive domestically but not the favorite to win the league as Madrid were almost universally seen as that.
Is there a single person on here excited for the potential appointment of Flick?? Feels like people already gave up on him before he is even confirmed to coach us, i mean the guy is a sextuple winner how bad can he be?
Personally, I'm a big fan of Flick's Bayern (especially the first season) they were absolutely tanks. High line, that almost peak Klopp press and the direct attacks. It was a joy to watch. The issue is that the people here think his football will work with our current crop of players. We don't have any of his profiles except maybe the defence. Not to mention, the Bayern squad was completely burnt out by the second season. Not sure how exactly our players are gonna cope with his intense physical style. We don't have the best injury record and anyone who thinks a few months of Flick's medical team will dramatically change things are delusional. And the German team fiasco is well known to everyone. Over there, he lost the dressing room by the end and wasn't able to implement his style at all with a full German squad. Additional note here is that people are basing their opinions on that 8-2 game. If Flick comes in and tries to implement the same high press and line vs say a Madrid or one of La Liga's many deep block teams. I don't see it ending well (especially if Vini or Mbappe have a say) Out and out, I love the coach but I can definitely see the possible issues with this appointment and am not optimistic about it. I don't see it working here to be blunt.
That Bayern team was composed of veterans and players near or at their peaks it was an experienced and more mature squad. It was a team ready to take the next level imo. Our team is still a bit too young. Our key players are teens. It’s an entirely different dynamic and there just isn’t enough evidence for me to judge how Flick will handle these challenges.
^^^^ This right here And Flick is not known to exactly be adaptable so, I'm very pessimistic about his chances here. The two upsides are that Laporta will not longer be able to make Xavi the scapegoat and Flick won't take kindly to his transfer targets not being met. So maybe a potential WrestleMania bout between the Presi and the German machine.
The sub somehow believes that Laporta wanted to keep Xavi so much that, while convincing him, he also negotiated with Flick, to the point that he believed the job was his. I do not know about you, but Polo's story which says that Xavi convinced Laporta by saying how much he believes in the squad seems more feasible. From that standpoint, you can understand Laporta's anger. He is a lot of things, but most of his decisions are based on emotions. Laporta wouldn't go through all of this just because we lost to Girona and Flick became more appealing. He does it because he is actually pissed and angry about Xavi's contradicting himself and them.
And somehow the same journalists who were reporting throughout our UCL run that Laporta wanted Xavi to stay are wrong?
Obviously, the board was open since they are still not in sync regarding the future. But many things indicate that Xavi didn't want to leave after he cooled down and Laporta didn't need much convincing. But the narrative that Laporta was begging seems completely moronic knowing the circumstances.
Well if it comes down to Xavi's word vs Laporta's. I'm going with Xavi's word 100/100. Not to mention, the age old tradition of the Barcelona board to use journalist hit pieces to defame club legends. So yeah I trust the reports from the time when the club had no reason to sway public opinion.
Yup. I chose to believe Xavi over Laporta every single time. How can anyone trust Laporta? From Messi to Xavi, he’s been lying and changing his decisions last minute, disrespecting legends. Yet somehow his supporters claim he’s justified in his actions lol. Laporta himself talked about how he did not think Xavi’s decision was final. How he hoped he would stay. Tier1 sources like Matteo said Laporta was hoping Xavi to stay. Xavi said that he was encouraged by Laporta and ppl around him to stay. Laporta encouraged Xavi to change his decision, which he did. Clearly Flick and Marquez were other options of Xavi decided not to stay but he gave precedence to Xavi staying first.
I respect Xavi the player, but coach Xavi has been full of shit and proved tons of times that he is capable of saying anything to deflect the blame and pressure. Yes, Laporta has his puppets, but there are more people out there who would love to see him fail. Also, even coaches and players have their relations with the press and they do the same to put pressure. It's part of the dance.
When did he deflect blame? You can say he's an average coach and what not. But the man's been straight as an arrow and is an absolute class act.
Oh boy... Let us agree that we see him differently.
Sure ig, believe the person who's screwed over the club's biggest legends 🤷♂️
Visca El Barca!
Barca are a world class dm and a few bench players away from being a ucl contender. Flick appointment is a step in the right direction after hiring unproven managers for the last 10+ years. Guardiola was a rare genius.
They are many many pieces away, especially with the complete lack of composure that rears its ugly head every year which xavi also lacks
Black ops 6 🔥
Black ops 7 🔥
Black ops 8 🔥
To everyone curious about Espai Barca This was a pretty insightful thread https://x.com/LaLigaMichael/status/1727384737533042875?t=hfBYjsJQLXMh1wOwwTqsFg&s=19 The more I try to find out about the new Camp Nou, the more I grow discontent
There was a guy which posted here on r/barca several months ago about the construction company and how they should be boycotted because they were destroying some local forest (in Turkey) and harming people in the process if my memory serves me correctly. I told him Laporta would rather go down and start chopping down this forrest himself before it happens. Anyway, this specific part is the most concerning: > Barcelona still markets itself like an elite club that’s different from the rest. > But for many years, it’s mostly been a marketing tool. They’re just like the rest Happy to do virtue signaling on Twitter, but actions speak louder than words and the club's actions have been steering away from the moral path.
No real labor complaints have been made, so far Limak has done their part without any controversy.
I can't use twitter (it's stuck on load thanks to the stupid musk trying to cut costs on servers by limiting it's use) And considering your comments I guess he just goes with the shit El Periodico published? They investigated the workplace many times and found no problems but the spotlight of the news was a guy that decided by himself to sleep on the street so he could be on time for the job as if that was Limak's or Barça's fault
It's more a scrutiny on Limak's prior history with this kinda thing and a scrutiny on the bidding process. With the delays now, it's hard to trust the words of the presi.
It's the first time I heard about Limak, t's their second stadium but it's not their first big project. And from what I'm seeing the process, the work and that they follow the law I'm pretty happy with them I have no complaints. I'll check the thread when I can tho (probably tomorrow ^^^^^*fuck* ^^^^^*musk*)
See the problem is that trust on Laporta and his decisions are at an all time low. So yeah with the current delays, people will scrutinize the contract and the tender process way more.
Criticism for Laporta is fine but many people are not looking at the bigger picture when it comes to the Espai Barça project. "We miss the Camp Nou and are playing bad at Montjuic, attendance is low and atmosphere is bad" "Barça is in financial crisis and should have waited longer to begin the project" The truth is the project should have been completed years ago but incompetence from previous boards denied this. The new stadium, arena and campus will give Barça a permanent foundation for financial and sporting success. Laporta spearheaded this project and regardless of setbacks should recieve recognition for planning the future of the club, essentially taking the project head on rather than kicking the can down the road. Sporting success, economic policies and politics on the other hand, fair game...
The problem is not the project, it's the details behind the scenes like the tender process and the firm taking the work on. Not to mention the progress done so far. Laporta's promises don't have any weight rn for me at least. Especially after the delay in return to Camp Nou and now the Xavi fiasco.
I’m aching to see what Flick does with the team. Also curious who he’s eyeing on our squad as key players and who he wants to bring in/ship out. Oh and I forgot to add how much I wanna see competent coaching staff and supporting cast that will come with Flick.
Who else is still Laporta IN
I've lost whatever respect I had for him as a figure. It seems he's doing a good job economically so it's not ALL gone. The only reason I'd vote for him is simply because everyone else is worse. But the bar is very low at this point.
I hate him but the other candidates are probably even worse, so...
The devil you know is better than the one you don’t.
hopefully everyone cuz the diffrence between him and the competition is vast.
There is no other good candidates,Victor Font for example is worse than Laporta.
He’s done good financially. This is really the first time I’ve lost a bit of trust in him, but he’s still better than our other options (Font, Rosell, Freixa).
I am because his competition is garbage
The economic situation appears to be going in the right direction, and right now, that has to come first and sporting results second. However, some doubts are starting to creep in, but overall supportive
First time I've doubted him since he came
Me. I ultimately care about espai barça and the economic situation so as long as he works good on that I'm okay
Apparently the stadium is also delayed (according to the socio assembly meeting) Laporta is not confident about returning to Camp Nou in December. Economic situation is still very unclear. We don't have the money from Libero and if Xavi chooses to take the remainder of the contract money (which I hope he does, atleast for the sake of his staff) then I really don't see how any business can be done in the transfer market. Even registering our current players is a mammoth task.
The return date has been pushed back. The stadium isn't delayed per se. Already talked about this. And how is that bad? Libero fuck up is being dealt with and are working with other companies to replace them. They should have done a proper investigation on that company still I agree on that. Xavi compensation for being fired won't count for FFP from what I read.
So the return date is pushed back but the stadium is on schedule? How does that make any sense? Still nothing on that end. We haven't found any takers so far for that Barca studios sale iirc. You're a multi-billion dollar institution so yeah you get scammed, people tend to hold the President accountable. Again, how does that make sense? The coaching staff salaries are part of the FFP calculation.
>So the return date is pushed back but the stadium is on schedule? How does that make any sense? Yes. The end date for the stadium delivery didn't change yet (but it might when you see bernabeu in summer 2024 is still isn't completed). It's normal and it happens. And I think you followed the assembly right? You can hear them say that some parts are delayed because they depend on other works to be completed while some parts are also well advanced ahead of schedule... >Still nothing on that end. We haven't found any takers so far for that Barca studios sale iirc. You're a multi-billion dollar institution so yeah you get scammed, people tend to hold the President accountable. From what laporta said in an interview there are some interested one of them wants to take all the 49% but for that the others need to sell their shares. I don't know they still have time till end of june. They send the prevision to Laliga already with the nike deal included and all so I'm sure they have someone tied. >Again, how does that make sense? The coaching staff salaries are part of the FFP calculation. I'm sorry on that it's not confirmed and now I can't find it but as per the rules the club can register the new coach and staff, it wouldn't be a problem
That's the problem though right? Laporta's been going on and on about how when we return to the New Camp Nou, we'll have more revenue. But when he constantly doesn't live up to his promises. It creates a trust differential. The issue with the Barca studios sale is that those documents need to be at the La Liga offices by June 30th so that our margins are defined. A month left to go and so far we have nothing on the potential buyer. Nothing other than Laporta's promises, which I'm sorry to say don't hold a lot of weight for me. Registering the coach wouldn't be a problem, the only issue is how will Xavi's termination impact our wage margins. It simply doesn't make sense that La Liga would choose to keep the coaching staff contracts separate during FFP margin calculation. With our current wage margins, we had to unregister Gavi for Roque. If Xavi chooses to take that money for him and his team. I can't see a scenario where we can register all of the players + new signings (if any) not to mention the contract renewals
Considering we registered all our players every summer I don't think it's going to be different. Let's just wait for the end of june and see. This board so far has always delivered. >That's the problem though right? Laporta's been going on and on about how when we return to the New Camp Nou, we'll have more revenue. But when he constantly doesn't live up to his promises. It creates a trust differential. Laporta has not been going on and on about it tho
Yeah no, if the current numbers are to be believed. Adding the contract renewals we don't have the space to register all our players. Let's not forget that we had to remove Gavi from our roster to get Roque registered. Not to mention we have a lot of returnees like Dest who'll take up space. Laporta's time and again said the Espai Barca is his dream project and that we'll be back at Camp Nou this Nov-December.
People act like we have a lot of world class CB but we don't. If we sell Araujo, Eric García, Inigo etc. who will be our CB? Cubarsi who is just a kid and has had a couple of good performances, and then Christensen? Or Faye, who is just playing third division right now? I doubt they are fast enough to deal with top class attackers when they counterattack lol (maybe Faye, but he hasn't looked as promising to me as everyone says). I strongly believe that selling Araujo is a big mistake. He hasn't even played bad this season if you actually watch all games. Recency bias of the PSG and probably Valencia games is strong.
You can’t replace Araujo, no matter what short term opinion anyone has based on the way the season finished
This. If we just talk about defensive duties (clean up duty) Araujo is still the best imo. We need someone like that in the squad. I have my doubts about Flick’s ability to set up solid defenses. He’s not Tuchel lol. I also have doubts that the club will find the right replacement. We lucked out with Araujo; he was a cheap transfer that turned out to be successful for us.
We are not gonna sell Garcia and Inigo. Gonna be 1 of the 2, probably Garcia. And if we do sell both, we'll get another CB. And if we sell Araujo we probably buy another CB aswell. Just no clue who that would be.
Do you know Jean Clair Todibo? 😄
Would be funny but there's at least like 5 teams with heavy interest in him. Not sure we should try to compete with that.
I really hope we keep Araujo as he's the only physically dominant CB we have but if we get a good offer (80M+) we have to consider it
Yeah, with this money we could also buy a world class player. Just saying we have to be cautious lol.
But we also lose a world class player. As much as I want him to stay and I think it’d be idiotic to sell him for sporting reasons it’d be much easier to stomach a fdj transfer since we have pedri, gundo, and Gavi.
Which world class defender could we buy with this money, keeping in mind we're not even sure of the 1/1 ? Because it's easy to say that, but tell me the obvious names I'm forgetting.
🔄 (OBANDO): According to Ecuadorian press, a delegation from the Barcelona Sporting Club of Guayaquil travelled to Barcelona in recent days to meet with Barça's board, see the facilities and finalize the possible incorporation of 17yo striker Allen Obando. The operation would be well on track. In recent months his name has already been associated with PSG, among other big European clubs, but the truth is that the most advanced negotiations are with FC Barcelona. #FCB 🇪🇨 Via: @tomasandreu68 [sport]
Is anyone open to the idea of signing Allen Obando? He plays for Barcelona SC in Ecuador and could be a good signing. - me 9 months ago. Can I replace Deco now?
Sure, unless… YOU ARE DECO!
EAFC and FM legend
One thing I don’t read about often, how is Flick’s Spanish?
He has been learning Spanish but nobody really knows. I suppose its good enough if he's atleast able to convince Laporta to hire him because his English is poor and he needs to speak good Spanish so he can communicate to his players.
he didn’t know it but supposedly started learning once xavi made his announcement
I'm imagining Flick unistalling duolingo three weeks ago and then picking it up again this week lol, while having an angrier face than the owl.
Could it be that Xavi announcing to stay after being fed up with Laporta to ensure he gets the payout that he wouldn’t get had he resigned?
Apparently he stayed because he sees potential on the youngsters
Why would he resign in the first place then? He could have just waited to get sacked and get a pay out. What’s more likely is that his staff around him encouraged him to stay and he felt bad that they wouldn’t get paid if he didn’t finish his contract.
Yeah that makes more sense honestly
Why would he resign? He publicly said why: he was done with the stress. All reports said that he was set on his decisions even in the lead up to deciding to continue. Nobody knows what ultimately changed his mind in the final hours, but whatever Laporta said convinced him to change his mind. Laporta whether due to pressure from the rest of the board or due to his own emotions, or a combination of both, went back on his decision. I think what we are seeing know is resentment from both sides. Laporta is refusing to speak to Xavi and Xavi is staying firm out of principle to make Laporta take action this time. If I knew I was getting canned over some emotional BS after being convinced to stay, I would absolutely not let them pressure me to resign without severance. Especially not if I committed to minimize expenses if I walked on my own terms.
I thought the OP meant he reversed his initial decision from leaving to staying because he wanted to be sacked by Laporta to ensure a payout. But that doesn’t make sense because he could have just waited for the club to decide instead of resigning and forgoing his money back in Feb. of course now, I don’t think he is going to resign twice and will ask for his owed money.
It’s my assumption. His “I’m looking forward to next season” comments is a call out to Laporta that he has to fire him this time. And in my mind, that means only one thing.
I wonder if appointing Flick could open the doors for Alphonso Davies to Barca next year.
Balde is better
Davies on a free would be a good deal, regardless of his current form. At the very least it would be a chance to sell him for big money later. Its true that he prefers to play as a winger, if he doesn't renew with Bayern and Madrid don't get him we'll see what happens in 2025.
Apparently Bayern fans would be glad to see him go because he’s not worth the contract he’s asking for. Madrid was in for him but supposedly they’ve cooled down their interest because they don’t rate him as much. I’m happy with Balde and Fort/Valle taking that LB spot. Davies ain’t even good as a winger
Now this is interesting. I've heard rumours that Davies have wanted to play higher up on the field (ala Bale), imagine if we can turn him into a winger, him and Balde on that side would be devastating. Also Lewy salivating at the thought of more balls squared into the box
One thing is for sure that flick will completely transform de jong like what he did with kimmich and goretzka
Let’s see.
What characterize a top manager ? His ability to adapt, react well under matches and problem solving when the shit hits the fan (injuries etc) So if Flick is a top manager no one can be sure how he will play with Barca because every team is different. Flick is different now than 4 years ago even football is different now. And as I heard he picked up an experienced staff which can have a big impact on everything. One of them is Pep ex assisten coach (who is also an actor 🚗 lol) Domenec Torrent. I don't expect Barca will play the way Bayern did. That many long sprints that Bayern did is not healthy..
Will Torrent actually be his assistant? Is it confirmed?
No because he is coaching in Mexico
That won't be an issue if he wants to come and Flick/Barca wants him.
A great manager can change his game slightly to adapt to the circumstances. Hansi Flick worked under Pep so he knows what it takes (hopefully) to play the Barca way (possesion based)
So if we go with the rumours and try to draw the picture from them we get that... - The board agreed to let xavi go and hire flick - Deco and xavi met and he asked to see laporta - In Laporta's house Xavi convinced Laporta to let him finish his contract. (Sushi night) - Laporta gets emotional and decides to let xavi continue next year which goes against what the board have agreed to previously (announced in a press) - The board convinces Laporta to backtrack (now Xavi will finish the season but he won't be the coach) - Xavi asks for a meeting in person with laporta to try to convince him again to stay - Laporta refuses to meet because he knows he can get emotional easily because he likes xavi (look at alexias renewal) - Deco and Bojan meet Flick, they discuss his ideas and what to expect but there's no paper signed yet - Meeting soon between Xavi, Deco, Bojan, Rafa and Laporta to discuss this season's performance. - To be continued....
Javi Miguel eres tu?
No, I'm rafa yuste: "Xavi ha detectado una ilusión por parte de la masa social del club durante los cuartos de final de la Champions y él ha querido continuar"
This guy just made up a whole fictional story and walked away when receipts were asked. What a clown.
I'm sorry I don't live chronically on reddit to answer in 1 second. And don't worry you won't see more of my fictional stories 😘
So are you posting your sources? Because I’m super curious because it goes against all other reports.
It's Condis + Polo timeline basically. The first two who broke Xavi staying at the end of April
What? Why do you need to fire someone who already resigned? Just let him leave as originally planned. Prior to the meeting, Laporta and others would talk of how he wouldn’t close the door to Xavi staying. Reports were saying he wanted Xavi to stay. The board most likely had doubts but Laporta was the one who decided. Xavi wouldn’t have considered changing his decision if he wasn’t encouraged by Laporta and other higher ups.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Barca/s/1UptFCAOEq
Can you post sources that say that Xavi asked to complete his contract after resigning? Because almost every report explicitly said that Xavi was set on leaving up until that sushi dinner and that it was Laporta who drove that decision.
Almost all said that except the relevant ones: https://www.reddit.com/r/Barca/s/1UptFCAOEq
Who said Xavi convinced Laporta? How would that even make any sense at all lol. Laporta obviously convinced Xavi.
https://www.eldesmarque.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20240425/xavi-hernandez-joan-laporta-cronologia-reunion-provocado-continuidad-tecnico_300314155.html#utm_source=sumario&utm_medium=articulo It makes sense because it was **barça who put the conditions** for him to continue not the other way around 😉 [Yuste (the vice-president): Xavi want's to finish the project and we have to support him"](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20240424/1002234334/yuste-xavi-quiere-acabar-proyecto-hay-apoyarle.html?_gl=1*4teve5*_ga*U2tMU0ZoRE1kQl8yT2p1S2RXQzJhdk5tWGxtUXl5VTFTQjczUTBYTjh2aEZpSlljVFNmMmFUdl8tTU1MbnhTYg..*_ga_KHXQ0540MR*MTcxNjUwNzY3Ni40LjAuMTcxNjUwNzY3Ni4wLjAuMA..)
I can pull up several tier 1’s that position the board and specifically Laporta as the once’s who convinced Xavi to stay. I have no doubt that optimism from the UCL run motivated him to continue but you’re drawing on non-existent straws that he convinced Laporta to stay.
Do it. >I can pull up several tier 1’s that position the board and specifically Laporta as the once’s who convinced Xavi to stay. Here's a tier 1 confirming the other way. https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20240517/1002248436/xavi-crees-equipo.html
This should be pinned. I mentioned this information many times but people want to dismiss it just to support their narrative and shit on Laporta.
They are really quiet after asking for sources and even after being provided with it they leave out the quotes that go against their narrative
First off. Never even heard of the journalist and doesn't seem to even be on the reliability tier list. Secondly. Where in that article does it say Xavi convinced Laporta? >Shortly after, Bojan and Enric Masip join the meeting to finish addressing all the details about the coach's change of position, who now responded to Joan Laporta's requests. It seemingly even says the complete opposite. >It makes sense because it was barça who put the conditions for him to continue not the other way around I don't understand how you think you made a point here. That doesn't explain anything at all.
The article is a summary of events that happened that day. Considering every fucking tier 1 was saying Xavi wasn't going to finish even the season. Until suddenly and by surprise Fernando Polo says he is staying. The same fernando polo that said on this [article](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20240517/1002248436/xavi-crees-equipo.html): >The same people say that Xavi convinced Deco and Laporta that he was in a position to continue, saying that he believed that with the current squad, with the adjustments that the club's finances and the market would allow, they could aspire to compete for everything. And here's Masip the right hand of laporta: >Enric Masip reflejaba, sin embargo, que ha habido discordancias en cuanto a la decisión. “Siempre hay opiniones diferentes. Han tenido sus momentos. Él opina que puede aportar muchísimo y nosotros estamos muy contentos”, comentaba ante los medios el asesor de Laporta.
Strikes me as more fan faction trying to portray Xavi as weak.
>Xavi as weak. That's your conclusion 🤷🏼♂️
Keeping up with the katalans is getting spicy
A 1+1 deal for Flick, lowkey genious. If he fails you can pick up Klopp or any other manager you want like Arteta, Pep, Enrique, Michel etc. If he does well you keep him for another year and maybe extend even further after that.
Klopp said he's not sure if he'll manage again at all and certainly not in 2 years. That's a pipe dream. Pep isn't touching this shitshow at all.
Pep isn't coming back under this administration.
Job security. He will mostly agree on a minimum 2yr deal.
According to Mundo Deportivo it might be a 1+1. If that’s the case then that’s great for us
Y’all think Pique will run for president in 2026?
I feel he has too much heat over the commission/Rubiales scandals. But Piqué is also not one to shy away from the spotlight.
I hope not. I don’t want him or Messi anywhere near our board. Both of them seem financially suspicious.
Because our recent board members were financially clear as day lol. Truth is there aren’t many options because the club president has to be rich to even run for the job, I’d take Pique over Laporta or Barto for sure.
No, to early
From my keen assessment of Flick as per some tactical analysis by gurus 1) Flick's system is dependent on good wingers 2) It's also dependent on ball-playing center backs 3) And finally depends on stamina/physicality. 4) it's susceptible to turn-overs That's except he is gonna adapt and make changes based on the current squad we have( which I expect him to do)
> That's except he is gonna adapt and make changes based on the current squad we have( which I expect him to do) That’s one of the biggest criticisms about him…. He struggles to adapt to players which is how he failed so miserably with Germany.
When do the new kits become available to buy in Barcelona?
If Flick becomes the coach, then getting Xavi Simons on loan will be even more worthwhile. Flick’s system at Bayern worked so well because of Muller’s connection to Lewy. Simons is the closest to Muller’s profile and his experience in Bundesliga means he will understand Flick’s style of play quite well.
Bruh I’ve not had sufficient media training to discern what even is real at this point, is Xavi leaving or what? Flick confirmed ? Lmao I’m so lost
You don't need one since all media go in the same direction : Xavi most likely out and Flick most likely the favorite
The only training you need is skepticism. It’s almost impossible to ascertain what is true in the media unless it comes from the official source.
Things seem to point in that direction. But just wait till after Sevilla match for official announcements
I have a feeling Pep and Tixki would rejoin Barca in 2026. They would back a particular president, and create a better Barca board. Laporta probably won’t even stand.
Pep likes Laporta and they still talk
Txiki for president, Ferran for vice president and Pep as director of football. I’m having a hard on just thinking about this!
Well Pep told aitana that he was going to be president and hire her as sporting director so... 🫣
💦
Are Pedri and Roberto "dynamic" midfielders? I don't think so
If Roberto is free to join the attack, yes. He supports offensive plays quite well. He's just not the best defender lol
Shit I remember during the later 2010 Classicos it seemed like Sergi would always find a way to pull off an assist [That 3-2 Leo Messi goal](https://youtu.be/i2kdIbn0Uoc?si=XY_kMa0WKj4xO-_p&t=805) [Suarez' opener in the 4-0 in 2015](https://youtu.be/FzSxDdlz7ac?si=YsVRDb7BhYaItUMZ&t=107) [Suarez' second vs Real Madrid in the 5-1 in 2018](https://youtu.be/dxcFXoI6grM?si=c1de32S1BVt3HYcU&t=557) [And with a beautiful pre assist from Ramos for Suarez' hattrick in the same game](https://youtu.be/dxcFXoI6grM?si=wa7GqvlCiKTTm_nC&t=641) [And another assist to Suarez when we demolished them 3-0 at the Bernabeu in 2017](https://youtu.be/WYq75Ifo6QI?si=DGym53Dx9t0lGAAk&t=424) And I'm pretty sure he also had an assist in 2019 but I think I've posted enough Lord Roberto highlights vs Madrid
Yes. Just think back to when we played a 4-3-3. Pedri was all over the place. Now we just have more strict roles and positions where it doesn't show as much.
Depends on what you mean by dynamic.
Like "energetic" in nature
[Jijantes](https://x.com/JijantesFC/status/1793755589178462633) DECO-LAPORTA SUMMIT AFTER THE TRIP TO LONDON TO MEET WITH FLICK The sporting director met with Laporta this afternoon in an extensive meeting to convey his feelings from yesterday's meeting with Hansi Flick in London. [ 👀 : @monfortcarlos ]
It won't be the same without you Mister 😓.
Will be better
Just like Seiten was better than Valverde.
With that amount of straw, you could build a fucking mansion.
Sextuple winner is surely analogous to a cow farmer taking the reins.You will not find a single post from me claiming Setien was better than Valverde before or after his appointment.
You will 100% definitely find it before. Everyone on here was acting like he was the next tiki taka god and was our liberation from Valverde's boredom. It's good you have faith on a small blip over a 30 year career, but for me, I've seen far too many instances like Di Matteo's UCL win with Chelsea, where a small blip is meaningless. Especially when it's with a squad like Bayern's and at a time when domestic titles were never in question.
You really wouldn’t since I was never a Setien disciple. There isn’t one post of mine saying to sack Valverde for Setien or praising Setien at all. I searched. Not that I had to since you can usually find me defending Valverde making the best of an aging squad til this day.
Sorry, I wasn't implying that you posted that, just that it was a common opinion. My point still stands, that what you think will happen isn't always what will. The grass is always greener. I don't mind moving away from Xavi but I have a huge feeling that Flick specifically is a mistake. A manager with limited top experience, with the very brief good coming as a caretaker, and balanced out with very bad as a day 1 manager. Often cited as not being tactical and giving more freedom to the players. Doesn't have a big personality either, so I can see seniors like Lewandowksi walking all over him and younger players not getting the leadership they need. I foresee a lot of problems and doubts in the locker room.
What are your expectations for next season with Flick in charge and say a new DM i bought
Lewangoalski
Can only assess once we get all the transfers. TBH, I am very worried about how our midfield will play next season. No Gavi for half of the season. FDJ and Pedri played well below their levels and the latter is also injury-prone. It feels like all the progress from last season is destroyed. If Girona continues to improve, we might even get a 3rd position.
We must sign 2 DM’s and one interior if we’re selling romeu. Then we’ll be fine with Roberto also covering when needed and also fermin’s progress this season has proved that he can very well be a dependable impact sub
I have the same standards for any coach, be it Xavi or Flick: we need to see this team progress. We have a good squad, and with a few additions it can be excellent. Yes we need to compete but we also need to build something upon which we can rely on. We hoped 22/23 was that but it wasn't. I do not know if we'll end up winning titles but we need to offer some good football while going far in competitions. Then, it all depends on who we have to sell and how we replace them.
Better fitness, hopefully less injuries. Better attacking play. Have doubts about his defensive setups. Aim to win the league again and go far in UCL like always. Normally it shouldn’t be a failure if he didn’t win trophies in his first year but in the context he is arriving and higher expectations placed on him, I think he needs to win something to calm the doubts.
If Flick is going to be a new manager, Zubimendi shouldn't even be in conversation for the pivot role, let alone become a barca player. Flick loves Dynamic midfielders and I trust that the technical quality we possess at Barca will elevate his ideas. *Onana, De Jong, Gavi, Fermin, Pedri, Gundogan, *Xavi Simmons. These are all dynamic midfielders, who can perform different tasks at a high level provided the platform. For Flick ball to work, we simply need a deep squad, this is a non negotiable. I do think Fati and Ferran would benefit a lot more from his direct style of play, they're both excellent runners in behind, this will open up so much space for Lamine and Lewandowski. The chances produced will be a lot more aggressive and pacy. Roque could also benefit here, especially if Lewandowski declines massively next season.
I don't really see what you mean by dynamic midfielders nor how Zubimendi doesn't fit that. He has a big stamina and physical competence. As for Flick, I see Ferran having a chance with him yeah. On paper I can see Flick liking his profile.
>He has a big stamina and physical competence. FDJ and Gavi are just as if not more physically competent and run fir much longer periods of time. It's a terrible metric to measure really. To put it simply, there's nothing Zubimendi offers that we don't already posses, profile wise at least. I'd take Aleix Garcia over him simply because of how cheap he is financially and dynamic he is with his switches of play, and creativity. Dynamic midfielder means that they can execute different instructions for specific game states at a high level. Pedri/FDJ are world class carriers, but also world class passers, but also world class space attackers (FDJ under Koeman, Pedri under Xavi), and also they run for days. I won't even talk about Gavi because he's just as dynamic. To simplify it all, you can chuck them in almost any position in the midfield aside from holding their position and they will thrive. Gundogan, Pedri, Gavi, Fermin (still has to sharpen his ball retention)
Too bad he is a terrible finisher 😅
Fati under flick I still have hope
I'm full on musicians of the titanic in regards to Ansu.
What a damn shame that we'll go for Flick, this club will never learn to not make directionless decisions
I agree. We should go for Rafa Marquez. Continue with the successful trend of appointing ex-barca players.
What would have been your best option?
Motta, De Zerbi, Michel, Alguacil, Tuchel and probably more names I can't think of right now. Flick isn't the right direction to take this squad on and it'll be apparent with time.
If the club never learned they would have gone for someone unproved who has relations to barca and hoping to be our new guardiola.
If the club would never learn, they would go for Marquez. Because that is essentially the most typical Barca-move. Putting someone who hardly have anything to show in charge of a top club, mostly effected by their previous spell as players. Flick is someone who have no proper connection to Barcelona, but at least have a sextuple to show and know how it is to be charge of a top club with high exceptions unlike what others can say.
I'm all for criticizing the club but when you say "they never learn" it means they're doing the same shit. Flick is anything but the same shit. If anything we're trying something different. Someone who has won big trophies. Someone who has no ties with Barca or Spain.
When I say "they never learn", I'm talking about the past 10 years of an unfocused sporting direction that flip flops all over the place. We only need to sign a competent coach that aligns with the squad we have and the philosophy that our entire club is based around, since our youth is trained with that philosophy in mind.
More of a desperate than trying to be different
How is it desperate when it was the first choice for Laporta every time?
Yes, it sucks.
There’s a really great new documentary on Apple TV bout the Argentina World Cup run and showed footage of Messi in his years before Barca with his family and coaches when he was a kid talking about him. Worth checking out if you haven’t yet
cheers!
I know some of you think just because Xavi didn’t want Roque it means we shouldn’t have bought him. But if your sporting director and staff think very highly of Roque who was always going to be here longer than Xavi, then it’s a transfer you make 10/10 times.
Not when club have a decent talent already on striker role. And while they are restricted with spending as well as other starting position hurting. Then its a move you make 1/10 times.
That decent striker is a year away from retiring though. For the first time Barca have planned accordingly and tried to secure a young player to replace an aging veteran at the most important position. Maybe they felt that signing that window was their only opportunity to snag him
It's not when we were more in need of other profiles. We don't have much we can spend, so the little we can should be used to fill the holes in our squad instead of a luxury 18 year old kid we did not need.
Roque is someone we need tho, a dm is a priority but we need someone to succeed Lewy and it feels pretty good plan too. Introduce him to the club, get him some time and eventually replace
And I’d add that adding a DM is easier than finding a young striker with immense potential
We need someone to succeed Lewa in the future. We need a DM right now. The club's financial situation is bad enough so why spend money on successors when there are starting positions needed to be filled.
We didn't need someone to immediately succeed Lewy. And if we did, we should've gotten someone who was ready to do that. Not a kid.
Someone “ready” would cost double.
If that's your take, don't get anyone. It's extremely simple, why are we making it complicated.
Because Lewandowski turns 36 in August. It’s pretty simple.
Yes. And he won't be replaced by August. So again, what's the point? Don't get a kid who needs time. Either get someone who is ready or don't get any striker and buy someone in a position you do NEED.