The brilliant victory against Villarreal should be the definitive boost for the new Barça. This team under construction needs great triumphs on which to build their project. Xavi is aware of both the demands and the urgencies. And he knows that titles are essential to build confidence and buy time. Last Thursday’s victory was the first step. And tonight we have to give the second against Athletic de Valverde, the last coach to win a League from the Camp Nou bench.
The Blaugrana coach revolutionized the team against Villarreal after the virtual elimination in the Champions League and the painful defeat in the classic. He shook the lineup to seek a reaction and achieved the desired effect: a spectacular first half that sentenced the match with three goals (two from Lewandowski and one from Ansu Fati). The changes, based on meritocracy, it seems that they will not continue tonight. Basically due to the fatigue that some footballers carry. Even discomfort.
Xavi advanced rotations yesterday and it may be that the eleven that starts the match against Athletic has nothing to do with the eleven that devastated Villarreal. A pity because last Thursday we did see an exciting Barça team on the pitch, which displayed intensity, recovered pressure, was effective in attack and was confident in defence. The Blaugrana coach will make decisions based on the physical condition of his players, but also knowing the need to continue with the team’s progression.
Win, win and win. And win again. It is the only way that Barça has to resurrect and opt for the titles. The pressure is maximum. Although Laporta sent a message of calm to all the Catalans on Friday night: “Xavi is a marvelous coach, he always sees the positive side. It is to be appreciated for a president and a board. We have to support him. Let’s not fool ourselves, we have a team that is being built & rdquor ;.
The president has modeled his speech to lower the expectations, perhaps disproportionate, generated about this new project. He has opted for prudence so as not to cause more uneasiness among members and fans. But Barcelona fans, after so many years of disappointments and failures, have just enough patience. In the League you can not fail more. And less at the Camp Nou… Today, with or without rotations, Barça has to achieve another convincing victory that confirms that the path has been found.