INSIDE OUT 

It was another frustrating evening yesterday for FC Barcelona and its fans across the globe. It looked all hunky-dory in the first half with even Sergio Busquets finding the back of the net. However, the plot fell apart in the second session.

Such disappointments have become part and parcel of all Culers. The on-field performances --- without Lionel Messi --- are hardly noteworthy, and things are also not positive off the field, with the club’s financial situation extremely delicate.

Amid this gloom, Xavi taking charge of the team is like a streak of light at the end of a dark tunnel.

It should have happened at the start of the season; the writing was on the wall. At least, better late than never. Xavi doesn’t have a magic wand, and there is no guarantee that success will follow.

However, in times like these, an inspirational figure like him can do wonders. A person whom the players can trust and around whom the team can rally. Many legendary players have donned the Barcelona jersey over the years. Xavi falls in the top echelon of that category. He embodies this hallowed institution’s true essence and values, everything that makes this club ‘More than a Club’.

Success may not be a guarantee, but it’s a surety that he will never compromise on the style of the play. It is something that has taken a beating in the last few years. Win or lose, Barca were distinguishable by their playing style. That has ceased to exist. The talisman has often spoken about his faith in that style, and that will surely be evident.

He has, however, many things to rectify: both in terms of display and desire.

One of the significant issues is the part of the field that he commanded with elegance and purpose as a player—the Midfield. Along with Busquets, there are some quality players. But, lack of cohesion and creativity is remarkably conspicuous by its absence. Add to that the well-established issue of a leaky defence and lack of a proven goal-poacher. It is undoubtedly difficult to make up for the departures of Messi and Luis Suarez.

Ansu Fati is brilliant but has yet to hit that kind of mark and also needs to stay fit. That brings to another thorn in the flesh: injuries. Ousmane Dembele’s situation is inexplicable while injuries and fitness issues abound. The latest is Fati and Eric Garcia, who are both awaiting test reports to understand the extent.

There is no doubt that Xavi will be compared to Pep Guardiola. The former is, however, taking over at a more complex situation. The current Manchester City manager is the ultimate genius. Period. But, it is also true that he had some extraordinary players (in their prime) at his disposal in Barcelona. Yes, it was Pep’s brilliance to mould them in such a way that they will be remembered as one of the best club sides ever.

Xavi will not have that luxury, and all these rumours about players being lined up by the club to snap up in the January window doesn’t fully tally with the financial predicament. There will be some movements. Whether those will be top-notch signings remains to be seen.

Xavi never gave anything less than the very best on the field, and he will demand that from each player in the matches and the training sessions. The authority he commands in the team will not dither benching any player if he feels so.

Barca fans are known to be massively demanding, and there will be a lot of expectations from Xavi. However, he is taking charge at a challenging phase and will surely get the time and backing to turn things around. The rot can’t be made right overnight; it will take time.

The former head boy has come back to be the principal. For Barca faithful like us, it is time to be excited and look forward to the golden days once again.

Extracted - insideout17in