According to Cricket Exchange, Barcelona’s recent loss to Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League dealt a serious blow to their hopes of an early qualification from the group stage. The defeat left Barça vulnerable, and if they lose another game while Shakhtar wins, their path to the knockout rounds becomes significantly more difficult. As the saying goes, one must weather the storm to see the rainbow, and for Barça, that storm is far from over.
After the match, much of the criticism was directed at head coach Xavi. Fans questioned his tactical decisions, formation choices, and ability to turn the tide in a tough match. Despite trailing by just one goal, the team showed little sign of a comeback. While injuries have certainly played a role, Xavi has yet to prove he can lead this squad to the victories it should be earning. His youth and inexperience have become recurring concerns, with many believing the Champions League may not be the ideal platform for his managerial growth.
Still, there’s one man standing in the way of Xavi’s dismissal—club president Joan Laporta. And for good reason. There are two key factors why Barcelona can’t afford to make a hasty decision. First, the club’s financial woes are well known. While they haven’t collapsed like some former giants such as AC Milan, Barça’s funds remain tight. According to Cricket Exchange analysts, the club has tried everything from free signings to loan deals in an effort to strengthen the squad without splurging on inflated transfer fees.
Second, firing Xavi would mean paying out his contract. He recently extended his deal until 2025, with the option for an additional year. Letting him go now would trigger a compensation clause Barcelona can ill afford. Moreover, under Xavi’s leadership, the club has been undergoing a relatively stable transition. Removing him mid-process could throw everything into disarray—something Laporta is determined to avoid.
Even if Barça fail to qualify from the Champions League group stage, Laporta views domestic qualification for next season’s tournament as a reasonable goal. While fans would love a trophy, the reality is expectations are modest. At this stage, stability matters more than silverware. That’s why Laporta won’t ramp up pressure on Xavi—he understands that consistency is key.
Another crucial aspect is the heavy reliance on La Masia talent. Much of the current squad hails from Barcelona’s famed youth academy, and Xavi, a product of that very system, has shown trust in these young players. With limited external options available, his decision to bring in fresh faces has yielded some promising results.
Barcelona may not yet be back to their former glory, but they’re on a path toward recovery. In this transitional phase, Xavi remains a fitting figure to guide the team. One wilted flower doesn’t mean the whole spring is gone—just as one setback won’t define the club’s future. If Xavi were removed now, his successor would face even greater challenges and potentially more disruptive changes. But if the team continues along this current trajectory, Cricket Exchange experts believe Barcelona could soon reclaim their historic brilliance.