Tension between Barcelona's squad and the fitness staff

The injury problems Barcelona have been having at the start of the season have caused tension within the club. Esport3 report that Mateu Alemany and Xavi Hernandez have spoken about how worrying they are. They say that players have been upset with the fitness coaches, who are under the microscope right now.

They say sources close to the players highlight the bad preparation of the team as one of the factors holding them back. Not just during the pre-season but day to day in training.

There have been some flare-ups between the players and those in charge. The recent injuries produced a big argument between Koeman’s assistants and the medical services. One side wanted a player to come back as soon as possible, the other insisting on more patience.

Dr Ricard Pruna has been linked with Barca again. Xavi would like the doctor, who worked with the club for 25 years, to return. Pruna is in the UAE and we’ll have to see if this is speculation or something that comes off.