FC Barcelona
Xavi’s Struggles, Alguacil’s Potential, and the Brewing Managerial Transition
In the midst of growing concerns over FC Barcelona‘s recent performance under head coach Xavi Hernandez, SPORT journalist Alfredo Martinez has hinted at the possibility of a managerial shake-up in 2025. With speculation surrounding Real Sociedad’s Imanol Alguacil as a potential replacement, the Catalan giants find themselves at a crossroads after a promising start to Xavi’s tenure.
Xavi, a club legend, took charge just over two years ago and initially enjoyed success, securing Barcelona’s first La Liga title in four years along with the Super Cup in his maiden full term. However, recent cracks in the team’s form have raised questions about his ability to sustain success.
The turning point came when Barcelona, defending their domestic crown, suffered a 2-1 defeat to bitter rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico at the end of October 2023. This setback triggered a chain of disappointing results, including a loss to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. While a 2-1 comeback against Alaves alleviated some pressure, a subsequent 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano intensified the scrutiny on Xavi, with whispers of a potential crisis echoing through the football community.
The draw against Rayo Vallecano, coupled with the possibility of Girona and Real Madrid winning their Matchday 14 fixtures, could see Barcelona trailing by as many as six points in the title race. As murmurs about Xavi’s suitability for the managerial role gain momentum, attention turns to the Barca board led by president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco.
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Martinez’s report suggests that the board may be contemplating a managerial change as early as mid-2025, coinciding with the expiration of Imanol Alguacil’s contract at Real Sociedad. During the Marca Football Awards Gala 2022-2023, Laporta, Deco, and midfielder Pedri expressed admiration for Alguacil, with Laporthttps://www.britannica.com/topic/FC-Barcelonaa praising Real Sociedad’s style of play, stating that they embody the football he loves.
Alguacil, well-regarded for his managerial abilities, is seen as a potential fit for Barcelona’s young squad, having previously worked in Real Sociedad’s youth academy before ascending to the top managerial role. Notably, both Alguacil and Xavi have contracts expiring around the same time in mid-2025, adding intrigue to the potential transition.
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However, it remains uncertain whether the informal meeting between the Barcelona representatives and Alguacil was merely a display of respect or a strategic move in considering a managerial change. Laporta’s public statements about Xavi’s understanding of the club and its intricate dynamics, known as the entorno, highlight the value placed on the former player’s familiarity with Barcelona.
Despite the current slump, Laporta remains optimistic that Xavi can turn things around. The president has emphasized Xavi’s deep knowledge of the club, suggesting that the current challenges may be a temporary setback rather than an indication of a long-term decline.
As the 2024-2025 season unfolds, Barcelona finds itself in a tight race for the Spanish crown, and there is still ample football to be played. The coming months will determine whether Xavi can navigate the team through the rough patch and potentially secure another title, reaffirming his position at the helm of the Catalan giants.
In the ever-changing landscape of football management, the juxtaposition of Xavi’s experience with Barcelona’s legacy and Alguacil’s potential fresh approach adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. The summer of 2025 looms as a crucial juncture for FC Barcelona, where decisions made by the board could shape the future trajectory of one of the most iconic football clubs in the world.