Xavi takes charge of his first game since it was announced that he would remain Barcelona head coach beyond the 2023/24 season.
Xavi’s initial decision to step down sparked an impressive unbeaten run that almost saw them return to title contention, but any hope of retaining their crown was dashed by a controversial Clasico defeat last weekend.
The collapse in the Champions League just days earlier means Barca’s season is over. There will be no cutlery in Catalonia this semester.
Xavi is only looking ahead to the 2024/25 season and Barca’s remaining games could shape his plans for next season. La Blaugrana play Valencia on Monday evening and here is the team Xavi could choose for the La Liga game.
TW: Marc-André ter Stegen – Ter Stegen may not be the goalkeeper he once was, but he will be staying in Catalonia for a while. His status as Barca’s number one is not yet in danger.
RB: Jules Kounde – Kounde, who once loathed the right-back position, has generally excelled in that role in 2024.
CB: Ronald Araujo – The physically dominant Araujo is one of several Barca captains and a cornerstone that the club will continue to build on.
CB: Pau Cubarsi – Speaking of cornerstones, the stalwart Cubarsi is off to a remarkable start to his senior career. He should end the season alongside Araujo as a central defender.
LB: Hector Fort – Joao Cancelo has endured a nightmare week and Xavi may be reconsidering his options at left-back. Young Fort is more likely to be preferred over the veteran Marcos Alonso.
DM: Andreas Christensen – The Dane can’t stop scoring. With Frenkie de Jong out, Christensen will take on the holding role in Barca’s midfield.
CM: Pedri – Pedri has been carefully looked after since his return from injury and only appeared on the bench in the Clasico. He should be ready for action on Monday evening.
CM: Ilkay Gündogan – After a trophy-laden last season in Manchester, Barca’s lack of squad presence this season will undoubtedly hurt Gündogan, who was excellent in his first year.
RW: Lamine Yamal – The teenager was at the center of controversy last weekend when VAR may have incorrectly deemed his attempt had not crossed the finish line. Yamal continues to shine and even though Xavi doesn’t want to burn him out, he’s just so hard to drop.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – The goals have once again failed to materialize for Lewandowski after he started the March international break in good form. He will look to finish the season strong as his future is in doubt.
LW: Raphinha – The Brazilian has found new impetus on the left and Xavi is likely to stick with him instead of the likes of Ferran Torres and Joao Felix.