Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has admitted that some of his players do not understand positional play at the team.
The Blaugrana has not yet caught the positive trend. Led by the successor of the sacked Ronald Koeman, Barca missed the eighth finals of the Champions League for the first time in eighteen years.
“There’s still a lack of understanding of the football we want to play. There are players that don’t understand positional play and, being Barca [players], that’s surprising.” Xavi said.
“We have to be positive and brave. We must press high, press when we lose the ball, attack the spaces, his is what we want.” Xavi added.
The former Barcelona midfielder admitted he needs to improve the squad formation before the end of 2021/22 season.
“I have been very clear with [president] Joan Laporta about what I think we need to strengthen in the short-term and medium-term,” Xavi said.
“I’ve only been here for a month and, as the coach, I have to improve the players I have, but there are some things we have to change. It’s clear we need to improve the squad, above all in attack.” he added.
Barcelona probably won’t be buying any players in next the winter, with Barca feeling the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
“At the moment, the financial situation is difficult. We have to be realistic. It’s not going to be easy to strengthen the team. We have the spending limit problem [with LaLiga], but let’s see what happens.” Xavi said.
Barcelona’s nightmare week ended in more disappointment on Sunday as they conceded in the 86th minute to draw 2-2 away at struggling Osasuna.
The Catalan club are now five points behind fourth-placed Atletico Madrid and 15 adrift of Real Madrid, with the two Madrid clubs up against each other at the Santiago Bernabeu later on Sunday.
