Light is slowly being shed on the reasons behind Barcelona president Joan Laporta’s decision to sack Xavi, and it is clear that the misalignment of ideologies between the management and the board was the primary cause.
Xavi wished to phase out several players from the current team in June, one of whom notably was Robert Lewandowski.
In a recent report, SPORT relays that the manager’s stance against the Polish striker was one of the main reasons he was shown the exit door.
Xavi was looking for a new face
SPORT reports that Xavi’s staff felt that Lewandowski had completed his cycle at Barcelona, and after two successful seasons at the club, was no longer a viable option in the project.
They pushed for the arrival of a striker with more energy, stamina and intensity in the final third, something Lewy had ceased to provide at 36 years of age.
Moreover, they also hoped for a player who would not only contribute in the face of goal but also with off-the-ball movements and the general buildup.
Xavi wanted Lewandowski out of the club. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
The manager’s stance on Vitor Roque, thus, comes across as bizarre as Xavi outright rejected the board’s young No. 9 signing with little to no opportunities.
The empathy factor
Another major reason why Xavi was not in favour of Lewandowski’s continuity, as revealed by SPORT, was the Polish star’s attitude towards up-and-coming players.
The management felt that the veteran striker lacked the empathy required to interact with and guide players who were early in their careers and yet to blossom.
Needless to say, this has been seen several times during matches in the form of the Poland captain’s dissent to young stars for certain in-game decisions.
With Hansi Flick set to arrive, however, Lewandowski stands as one of the biggest beneficiaries. Having worked with the manager during his time at Bayern Munich, one can expect the Pole to be Barcelona’s central figure in attack next season.
Author : Adithya Eshwarla
Publish date : 2024-05-28 17:22:53
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
Author : soccernews
Publish date : 2024-05-28 17:24:07
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.