Poland boss Michal Probierz says the striker’s not happy
Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is said to be “enormously frustrated” with his situation at the club after struggling to find his best form this season.
Lewandowski has scored eight times in 19 La Liga appearances - a far cry from last season when he ended the campaign as the top scorer in Spain’s top flight.
Poland boss Michal Probierz feels Lewandowski has been unfairly criticised, as the whole team has struggled this season, and admits the striker is having a tough time.
“I understand that one could complain if FC Barcelona played well and he played badly, but the entire Barça team is playing badly and Robert finds it very difficult to find a way to solve it,” he told Laczy Nas Pilka.
“You can tell he tries his best to do his best, but there aren’t many opportunities, and even if he figures something out himself, someone won’t take advantage of it. The club’s situation frustrates him enormously.
“I have the impression that the perception of Robert through the prism of Barcelona is too negative, it is going in the wrong direction. You can criticize, you can judge, but sometimes you also need to support someone.”
Lewandowski’s frustration has no doubt been compounded by the fact he’s been taken off early by Xavi in recent games against Betis, Athletic and Villarreal.
However, he does have four goals and an assist in his last seven games for Barca and will be hoping to add to his tally tonight against Osasuna.
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Xavi Hernández has called up 20 players for Wednesday’s clash
The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana return to La Liga action with a home game against Osasuna at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium, and Xavi Hernández has called up the following 20 players for Wednesday’s clash:
Goalkeepers: 13. Iñaki Peña, 26. Ander Astralaga, 31. Diego Kochen
Defenders: 2. João Cancelo, 4. Ronald Araujo, 15. Andreas Christensen, 23. Jules Kounde, 33. Pau Cubarsí, 39. Héctor Fort
The injuries simply won’t stop at Barça this season, and another name has been added to the list of absences as João Félix is expected to miss a number of weeks with an ankle injury. He joins Sergi Roberto (Achilles), Raphinha (hamstring), Marcos Alonso (back), Alejandro Balde (hamstring) and Gavi (knee) on the treatment table, while Marc-André ter Stegen (back) has returned to training but isn’t cleared just yet. There is some good news, however, as Iñigo Martínez is back in the squad after missing the last three weeks with a hamstring injury.
The match kicks off at 7pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 6pm GMT (UK), 1pm ET, 10am PT (USA), 11.30pm IST (India), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.
VISCA EL BARÇA!
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Looking ahead to the Osasuna game - FC Barcelona
On Tuesday Xavi Hernández's squad completed their final training session before the visit of Osasuna on Wednesday in La Liga in a game at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys that kicks off at 7pm CET. Barça need all three points after last Saturday's defeat against Villarreal to maintain their push for the best possible finish in the league.
PREVIEW | FC Barcelona v Osasuna - FC Barcelona
It has been a turbulent few days at FC Barcelona, with a 5-3 defeat at home to Villarreal supposing a major setback in the league title challenge and then coach Xavi Hernandez announcing that he is going to be standing down from the position at the end of the season.
Xavi: 'It's a difficult moment but we need Barça to come together' - FC Barcelona
In his first press conference since his announcement that he would be leaving his post as Barça coach on 30 June, Xavi Hernández reflected on the last few days. "Unity is important. It is not an easy time but we Barça and the fans to be united. I would like to highlight the reaction of the fans and the dressing room following my announcement. The shows of affection I have received have been amazing," said the Barça coach ahead of Wednesday's meeting with Osasuna in La Liga.
Alejandro Balde undergoes successful surgery on the tendon in his right hamstring - FC Barcelona
The first team player Alejandro Balde has undergone a successful surgical procedure on the injury to the tendon in his right hamstring. The procedure was carried out by Dr.Lasse Lempainen, under the supervision of the Club's medical staff, in Turku, Finland. The player is unavailable for selection and his recovery will dictate his return.
How to watch on TV: ESPN Deportes (USA), Viaplay Sports 1 (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), Sports18 (India), Not Available (Spain, Canada), others
How to watch online: ESPN+ (USA), LaLigaTV (UK), DAZN (Spain), others
Following a devastating defeat at home to Villarreal to effectively end their hopes of back-to-back La Liga titles, Barcelona return to action for the ninth and final match of a crazy January schedule as the Blaugrana welcome Osasuna to the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Barça come into this one having seen their title chances come to an end in wild fashion, in a game that made no sense from the moment it began and had absolutely everything: good football, bad defending, even worse refereeing and a late collapse in front of the home crowd that left Barça without any points and with plenty of questions.
Xavi Hernández then avoided a new round of speculation about his future by announcing he will be stepping down at the end of the season. It was a smart move by a man who controlled the message and basically guaranteed himself a job until the summer by making himself the selfless legend who decided to do what was best for the club he loves.
Xavi’s announcement was perfectly timed and makes sure he can’t get sacked mid-season, and the vast majority of fans will be on his side no matter what happens because of his decision. Now the pressure is squarely on the shoulders of the players, and based on their public reaction and the reports written in the last few days they are very much going to play the rest of the season for their coach.
This is what’s missing in the criticism by those who wanted Xavi gone: he is beloved by the dressing room, and players have never given up on his message despite the bad moments. The way they’ve rescued late results time and time again over the last two years proves their loyalty to their boss, and all of them now feel they are in some ways responsible for Xavi’s departure.
Much like Luis Enrique inspired his team to a strong finish in the league after a tough start and a Copa del Rey title when he announced his own departure in late January of his final season, Xavi hopes that his decision to leave gives the players the extra bit of motivation needed to find a way to get the job done in La Liga and perhaps have a miracle run in the Champions League.
Winning a trophy in the next four months is not the most realistic option, but these players will undoubtedly give their all for Xavi. They will continue to fight through injuries and will play to win until the very end, and Xavi might feel liberated himself and just try things that he normally wouldn’t if he was coaching for his job.
The Catalans have a month and a half of winnable league games and will be slight favorites in their Champions League Round of 16 against Napoli, so this dark cloud might be replaced by optimism and a sense of relief in six weeks’ time if Xavi’s announcement has the desired effect.
The immediate future brings Osasuna, who will be a tough opponent that Barça saw three weeks ago in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, a game the Catalans won comfortably despite not playing at their very best. Osasuna don’t really allow teams to play great football, but the Blaugrana have a very recent memory of how to beat the side from Pamplona if they control the ball and take their chances.
I am weirdly excited to watch the next few games after Xavi’s announcement, and something tells me we’ll see a Barça team more united and putting whatever frustrations they might have to the side to focus on a strong finish to the season for themselves and their coach.
Let’s dance.
POSSIBLE LINEUPS
Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Peña; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Cancelo; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Gündogan, Ferran; Lewandowski
Playing against Osasuna is always annoying, but I think Xavi’s announcement will unite the players and give at least an initial jolt of energy and commitment to win it for the boss: 2-0 to the good guys.
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The defender is now on the recovery trail
Barcelona have confirmed that left-back Alejandro Balde has undergone successful surgery on his hamstring injury.
Balde has flown out to Finland for the surgery after sustaining the injury in the Copa del Rey clash with Athletic Club.
Here’s the club’s offficial statement:
“The first team player Alejandro Balde has undergone a successful surgical procedure on the injury to the tendon in his right hamstring. The procedure was carried out by Dr.Lasse Lempainen, under the supervision of the Club’s medical staff, in Turku, Finland. The player is unavailable for selection and his recovery will dictate his return.”
Barcelona aren’t saying when Balde will return but it will be a surprise if he makes it back before the end of the current campaign.
Yet Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has seemed hopeful Balde could be available for the Euros which start in June in Germany.
“I spoke to him the other day. He is strong (mentally), which is very important, but of course, he will be out for several months… He will return before the Euros soon,” he told Radioestadio Noche.
Get well soon, Alejandro Balde!
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Session to get ready for the visit of Osasuna - FC Barcelona
Xavi Hernández's squad trained at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper with all the available first team players. The news from the session was that Iñigo Martínez took part in some of the workout with his team mates.
When and where to watch FC Barcelona v Osasuna - FC Barcelona
Second time in four days for Barça fans to head to Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, as the blaugranes welcome Osasuna for the LaLiga matchday 20 fixture, which had been postponed due to the Spanish Super Cup commitments in Saudi Arabia.
Héctor Fort 'working to stay many years at FC Barcelona' - FC Barcelona
Héctor Fort is one of the big names at La Masia this last few weeks, in which he has been gaining first team experience. At the club since 2013 and officially an U19 player, he has demonstrated character far beyond that usually expected of someone of his age by filling in as both left and right back for the senior team. He now has four appearances under his belt, three of those from the start.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta puts out strong response to Barcelona rumours - Football España
Barca Atletic manager Rafael Marquez said he would be interested in the job, much to the frustration of the Barcelona hierarchy, but otherwise every other coach asked about it has dismissed the idea. Luis Enrique, Michel Sanchez and Thiago Motta have all said they are focusing on their current jobs or words to that effect, but Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was much stronger in his response.
Xavi Hernandez's €13m sacrifice for Barcelona despite departure - Football España
The Blaugrana have already started the hunt for their new boss, and one of the considerations for that search is no doubt cost. Once again this season they are tight up against their salary limit, and it looks unlikely to improve any time soon.
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The Catalans look to bounce back from a horrible defeat
The craziness of January in Spain finally comes to an end for Barcelona as the Blaugrana play their ninth and final match of this month as they welcome Osasuna to the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Barça effectively said goodbye to the La Liga title race with a wild defeat at home to Villarreal, and then Xavi Hernández dropped the bombshell news that he’s leaving the club at the end of the season. The Catalans now have four months to finish the season in the highest possible position in the league and try to make a deep run in the Champions League, all while looking for a new manager for next season and beyond.
The immediate future brings a tricky matchup against an Osasuna side that just lost to Barça in the Spanish Super Cup at the beginning of the month, but Barça are not in good form and Osasuna have always given the Catalans a tough time and will undoubtedly do so again.
Here’s how we think Xavi will line up his troops for Wednesday’s battle.
Defense
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
The loss to Villarreal and the need to pick up as many points as possible in La Liga over the next month to ensure a strong Top 4 place before they start thinking about Europe again makes this a game simply have to win, and Xavi will not even consider rotating his squad.
There’s very little rotation possible at the back anyway due to injuries, so the four starters are pretty much set: João Cancelo was very critical of his own performance in his return to action from a knee injury but will have a chance to play 90 minutes and start to regain rhythm, and he’ll probably start at left-back for most of the games until the end of the campaign due to Alejandro Balde’s season-ending surgery.
That means Jules Kounde will have to play at right-back, a role he doesn’t like but seems to suit him and the team well, and the Frenchman has no choice but to be a full-back with all the absences around him. Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen will be the two center-backs, though Christensen is once again struggling with his Achilles and might be rested in this one. If that’s the case then young Pau Cubarsí will get the nod in the middle, and the 17-year-old has done plenty to prove he’s good enough to play at this level.
Midfield
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Barça played a brilliant game for the first 35 minutes of the second half after a disastrous beginning and just before a late collapse against Villarreal, and most of that came courtesy of the improved play of the midfield after the halftime substitution that brought Pedri into the mix.
The magician looks fully back to his best, and his health is the number one priority if Barça want to have a successful finish to the season. He played deeper against Villarreal in a double pivot alongside Frenkie de Jong, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Xavi use that formula again. That would theoretically push Ilkay Gündogan further forward to play as a number 10, but we won’t know Xavi’s choice for sure until the game starts.
Attack
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Barça’s attack was a disaster for 45 minutes, and then it came to life once Ferran Torres came off the bench. The Shark is in the form of his life and is crucial to the team right now, and he and Lamine Yamal provide the biggest hopes for creativity and scoring prowess in the front three.
That’s because Robert Lewandowski once again looks like a shell of himself, and the Pole might very well be following Xavi out the door in the summer if he doesn’t find a way to turn his fortunes around. But his coach still believes in him, and he’ll probably start this one again.
João Félix has done very little to deserve a spot anyway, and Vitor Roque has shown good signs in his first few appearances but is yet to get off the mark and still looks too raw to have any kind of immediate impact. Look out for Marc Guiu, however: Xavi is clearly a fan and has alternated between using the La Masia striker and Vitor Roque so it wouldn’t be a surprise at all if we see Guiu appear in this one, maybe even from the start if Xavi is feeling frisky and doesn’t really care that much anymore now that he’s leaving.
Possible XI: Peña; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Cancelo; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Gündogan, Ferran; Lewandowski (4-2-3-1)
How do you think Barcelona should line up against Osasuna? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Sunday session at the Ciutat Esportiva - FC Barcelona
The blaugrana first team squad trained today at the Ciutat Esportiva after the Villarreal match, the first step to put the defeat against the Yellow Submarines behind them and look forward to this Wednesday's home game against Osasuna.
Joan Laporta shows support for the team - FC Barcelona
Joan Laporta is with both the team and Xavi Hernández after the defeat to Villarreal and the coach's announcement that he will step down at the end of the season. As such, FC Barcelona's president stopped by the Ciutat Esportiva on Sunday morning to say a few words to the squad.
Real Betis Féminas 0-6 FC Barcelona: Still unbeaten - FC Barcelona
Things couldn't have started better at the Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol, Bruna's left foot smashing the ball home after just three minutes. Betis somehow or other managed to hold on for 20 minutes without conceding another, but that was when Brugts pounced on a rebound to double the visitors' advantage.
Fuenlabrada 1-2 Barça Atlètic: Promising win - FC Barcelona
Barça Atlètic have won 2-1 at Fuenlabrada with Unai Hernández scoring the first from an unmarked situation in the opposing box and an own goal pretty much sentencing things with a second half goal, although Manu Lama's response gave the home fans some late hope of a comeback.
The former Barcelona man admitted he had heard the shock news of Xavi’s decision to quit and was sorry to hear of his decision.
“That is sad, he was doing a great job and won the title last season. I saw Jurgen Klopp announce he was leaving Liverpool. Coaching is a tough job, but it is the one we chose.”
Motta was then asked if he’ll stay at Bologna and offered up the following.
“When there is news to report, I will tell you, but there’s none today,” he added.
Motta is out of contract at Bologna at the end of the season and yet to agree a new contract.
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The captain has previously revealed he would like to play in the United States before hanging up his boots and this summer may see him granted his wish.
Roberto has already seen Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, Riqui Puig and Lionel Messi head to MLS and could be the next Barca star to head to the United States.
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Michel has been asked about the rumors once again and made it pretty clear he’s not thinking about a move right now.
“I am focused on Girona. Xavi is the person who knows FC Barcelona best. I have a contract until 2026, so nada. Xavi is Barça,” he said.
It remains to be seen who will replace Xavi at Barcelona once he steps down at the end of the season, but the club do have plenty of time to find a replacement.
The rumor mill has already claimed Jurgen Klopp, Roberto De Zerbi, Rafa Marquez and Thiago Motta and Imanol Alguacil are candidates to take over the Barcelona hotseat.
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The defender was back from injury
Joao Cancelo was not at all happy with his performance after returning from injury on Saturday as Barcelona were embarrassed 5-3 at home by Villarreal.
The Portugal international hasn’t played since the start of the month but came on at half-time with Barca trailing.
Xavi’s side did manage to turn things around, and led 3-2 at one point, but went on to capitulate in an awful defensive showing.
Here’s what Cancelo said afterwards:
“We managed the most difficult thing to come back, but we conceded three more goals,” he said.
“The fault is ours alone. I’m speaking about myself. It was a disaster. They’ve been the worst 45 minutes of my career.
“Tomorrow we train because the sun always appears and the good thing about football is that on Wednesday we have another game and hopefully we get the three points.”
Barcelona’s defense was an absolute mess once again. The Catalans shipped five goals at home in La Liga for the first time since 1963.
Xavi’s side have now conceded 29 goals in La Liga so far this season - more than double Real Madrid’s tally of 14.
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The Mexican currently manages Barca Atletic but was asked about changing jobs after his team’s 2-1 win over Fuenlabrada on Saturday night.
“It is a shame that the first team has had this defeat. I think the board will have time to think about it well, between now and the end of the season, to choose the coach they decide, it is in their hands,” he said.
“I will continue preparing, obviously, I am very happy with the work I am doing with the boys.”
Marquez was then asked if he would like to be Barca boss and certainly wasn’t coy with his response.
“Who wouldn’t, right? But the most important thing is to continue preparing because it is my second season as a coach here. Prepare in case that moment comes,” he added.
“You can’t say no to an opportunity like this. And if it comes, I will try to be available and try to do my best.”
The Mexican has previously been mentioned as a replacement if Xavi were to go halfway through the season, but it’s not clear if Barca are interested in him taking over on a long-term basis.
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The midfielder posted on social media
Barcelona midfielder Gavi may be out injured but he’s not missing a second of what’s going on at the club.
The midfielder was the first player to respond to news of Xavi’s impending departure from the club in the summer.
Xavi shocked most of us by confirming he’s going to step down in the wake of Barcelona’s 5-3 defeat to Villarreal on Saturday.
Gavi took to social media with a brief message for his boss and a picture of the two together. “With you until the end, mister,” he wrote on Instagram.
Gavi is not due to return until next season which means there should be a new manager in place by the team he’s fit and available.
The teenager’s absence has been keenly felt by Barcelona since he was ruled out with an ACL injury and has absence has certainly contributed to the team’s underwhelming recent form.
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Xavi Hernández has called up 21 players for Saturday’s clash
The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana play their first home game of 2024 as they welcome Villarreal for a big La Liga encounter at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium, and Xavi Hernández has called up the following 21 players for Saturday’s clash:
Goalkeepers: 13. Iñaki Peña, 26. Ander Astralaga, 31. Diego Kochen
Defenders: 2. João Cancelo, 4. Ronald Araujo, 15. Andreas Christensen, 23. Jules Kounde, 33. Pau Cubarsí, 39. Héctor Fort
Midfielders: 8. Pedri, 18. Oriol Romeu, 21. Frenkie de Jong, 22. Ilkay Gündogan, 30. Marc Casadó, 32. Fermín López
Forwards: 7. Ferran Torres, 9. Robert Lewandowski, 14. João Félix, 19. Vitor Roque, 27. Lamine Yamal, 38. Marc Guiu
Barça lost yet another key piece of the team due to injury as Alejandro Balde (hamstring) is facing the prospect of season-ending surgery, joining Iñigo Martínez (hamstring), Raphinha (hamstring), Marcos Alonso (back) and Gavi (knee) on the list of long-term absences. Sergi Roberto is also out for this one with an Achilles issue, and Marc-André ter Stegen (back) has returned to training but is not yet medically cleared to come back to the matchday squad.
The match kicks off at 6.30pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 5.30pm GMT (UK), 12.30pm ET, 9.30am PT (USA), 11pm IST (India), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.
VISCA EL BARÇA!
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Final session before return to action at the Estadi Olímpic - FC Barcelona
The return of football to the Estadi Olímpic is getting ever nearer with Saturday seeing the visit of Villarreal to the stadium in La Liga, a must win game for the blaugranes if they are to remain in contention for the battle for the La Liga title.
PREVIEW | FC Barcelona v Villarreal - FC Barcelona
Following the massive disappointment of crashing out of the Copa del Rey against Athletic Club on Wednesday, it's time for FC Barcelona to pick themselves up and get back to work on one of the two trophies that they still have in their sights this seasons: La Liga.
The Lowdown on Villarreal CF - FC Barcelona
Barça take on Villarreal in the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Saturday, kick off 6.30pm CET, with Barça needing a win to keep themselves in contention for the league title whilst the visitors need points to move themselves away from the relegation zone.
Xavi: 'We need our fans' - FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona are finally back at Montjuïc for the first time in 38 days, and the visitors are Villarreal. "We are happy to be back at home, with our people" said coach Xavi Hernández the day before, admitting that in this game he needs to see a reaction after the defeat to Athletic in the cup.
FC Barcelona back at Montjuïc... 38 days later - FC Barcelona
This Saturday at 6.30pm CET, FC Barcelona entertain Villarreal at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. It's been 38 days since the last home fixture, after the team went to the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, played away from home in all three rounds of the Copa del Rey, travelled for two league fixtures at Las Palmas and Real Betis, and also went to Las Vegas to play a friendly with Club America.
Agreement to extend Marta Torrejón's contract until 2025 - FC Barcelona
Barça and Marta Torrejón have reached an agreement to extend the second captain's contract for another season until 30 June 2025. The defender is second on the all time list of appearances for Barça Women and has 24 trophies to her name as a Barça player.
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How to watch on TV: ESPN Deportes (USA), Viaplay Sports 2 (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), Sports18 (India), TSN 4 (Canada), Not Available (Spain), others
How to watch online: ESPN+ (USA), LaLigaTV (UK), DAZN (Spain), others
Following a painful and emotionally taxing Copa del Rey exit away to Athletic Bilbao in midweek, Barcelona continue the madness of January with their eighth game this month and their first at home as the Catalans welcome Villarreal for a big La Liga clash at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium on Saturday evening.
Barça come into this one with a chance to play their first match of 2024 in front of the home fans after nearly 40 days away from the crowd in the Catalan capital, with all three of their Copa del Rey games, both of their La Liga encounters and the two Spanish Super Cup clashes all played either on the road or at a neutral site in a span of 21 crazy days to begin the new year.
January is unforgiving in Spain, and it usually separates the good teams from the great ones. The amount of games in quick succession takes a serious toll, and the Cup ties increase the pressure and the mental fatigue of every match while injuries are almost inevitable due to the schedule.
Barça have been bit hard by the injury bug again and are out of two competitions already, and the final four months of the season will be a monster test for Xavi Hernández and his players as the Blaugrana try to rescue what has been a very difficult campaign so far.
They remain somewhat in the vicinity of leaders Real Madrid and Girona, but any slip-up will effectively end their title hopes in the league. The Champions League seems too distant of a target even if they can get past Napoli in the Round of 16, so La Liga is the only somewhat realistic chance of a trophy in 2023-24.
The next month offers a bunch of winnable games, but the squad is tired and missing key pieces and will need to show a lot of fighting spirit to continually bounce back and stay close to the top of the table. Saturday offers a very tough test in the Yellow Submarine, who have recovered from a disastrous start by sacking Quique Setién and replacing him with veteran Spanish manager Marcelino García Toral, who himself bounced back from a very short stint in France and has done a solid job so far.
But injuries to key players have also impacted Villarreal, who are missing in essence their entire starting back four which has led to very poor defensive performances despite having a manager in Marcelino that prides himself in having solid, well-organized teams who make defending a priority.
They’ve won only one of their last seven in La Liga and conceded at least three goals in three straight league games on the road, and one or two more bad results in succession will sound real alarm bells as the relegation fears grow. A good result in Barcelona is always a huge confidence boost for any team fighting to avoid the drop or the threat of it, and Villarreal know how vulnerable Barça will be after playing 120 minutes on Wednesday and especially how poorly they’ve defended all season.
The imminent return of Marc-André ter Stegen will help matters at the back, but Iñaki Peña is badly struggling and the players in front of him are either not protected well enough in certain circumstances or making basic mistakes that compromise the entire system in key moments. They’ve conceded a lot of early goals and have had to come from behind seemingly every other game, which creates unnecessary desperation and pressure for a team that under Xavi needs to establish a rhythm and score first to have control of a game.
Villarreal under Marcelino are well-coached to alternate moments of high pressing and low blocks, but they might choose to sit back for most of the evening and frustrate Barça to hit them on the counter. That has been a very effective tactic against Xavi’s team, and it could prove fatal if the Blaugrana don’t score early themselves.
This is a game Barça badly need if they want to have any chance to win La Liga. This is a game Villarreal badly need if they want to avoid a dangerous dance with the drop. It’ll be full of tension and probably full of bad defensive moments and goals for both sides, which might make this quite a lot of fun.
Let’s dance.
POSSIBLE LINEUPS
Barcelona (4-3-3): Peña; Kounde, Christensen, Cubarsí, Cancelo; Fermín, De Jong, Roberto; Ferran, Lewandowski, Félix
Barça are tired and injured and can’t defend and Villarreal badly need a result but also can’t defend. Everything points to a high-scoring draw, but I’ll still bet on the good guys: 3-2 Barça.
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Barcelona midfielder Gavi has posted an update on social media as he continues on the long road to recovery after ACL surgery.
The teenager is not expected to return until next season after suffering a serious knee injury, and his loss has been a huge blow for Barcelona.
We’ve not seen too much of Gavi since, although he has been spotted hobbling around on crutches in recent weeks.
The Spain international has now posted an update which shows him in the gym and looking in pretty good spirits.
If you look closely you can just about see the scar on his right knee, the result of the surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Gavi Instagram
Gavi’s choice of music is also fairly interesting.
The lyrics “I get knocked down, but I get up again. You’re never gonna keep me down,” suggest he’s certainly not lacking for motivation right now despite the huge injury setback.
Get well soon, Gavi!
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