The 10 most urgent issues Xavi Hernandez must solve at Barça

Xavi has a lot of work to do. Barcelona threw away a three goal lead against Celta Vigo to draw at the weekend, exposing some of the team’s fragility, physically and mentally. These are the key areas Xavi must improve Barça in.

1) Raise the team’s self-esteem

It’s going to be a hard task. The best recipe is winning matches, the derby and key Champions League clash with Benfica is first up. The dressing room has world champions in it and players who have won it all, Xavi needs to find the way to get them connected and functioning again.

2) Stop the injuries

Barcelona went to Vigo with eight injuries and left with three more in Ansu, Eric and Nico. Xavi has to find out what is happening and stop it. He may be able to bring back Dr Ricard Pruna.

3) Get the players flying

As well as the injuries, fitness is important. In the second half against Celta they were exhausted while Celta flew. Not for the first time and in Europe it’s even more evident.

4) Find solutions for an unbalanced squad

Xavi could use various tactical schemes, but there are some that won’t work based on the squad make-up. Right now there are no wingers. Dembele and Ansu are injured and Demir isn’t someone who reaches the end of the pitch, he prefers to come inside. There are problems at full-back, and too many midfielders. Xavi will have to be creative.

5) Be daring with La Masia

The first decision that Xavi Hernandez took upon landing in Barcelona was to watch Barca B. A good start. He has to believe in it. Although the players are good, it’s not an easy move to make. Xavi must keep believing in the likes of Ansu, Gavi and Nico while also bringing through more. Much is expected of him in this department.

6) Manage the sacred cows

The four captains, Busquets, Pique, Alba and Roberto are heavyweights in the dressing room. They are important and have influence over the others. Everyone has to be rowing in the same direction.

7) Bring his ideas to the big stage

Xavi has done well with Al-Sadd but Barça is another story. Xavi must show his ideas translate to this level. 

8) To be a companion but not a friend

The line that separates team-mateship and friendship is fine and hard for a young coach sometimes. Some doubt he will get the respect of the dressing room, although players like Santi Cazorla have spoken wonders of Xavi and his methods. 

9) The Coutinho problem

Barcelona have a big issue with their record signing and Xavi must take the bull by the horns. He must try and revive the Brazilian, who can be important in the team, but if not then he must take drastic decisions and leave him out. The Coutinho case cannot go on as it currently is.

10) Bring pride and hope back to Barcelona

Barca fans are wounded and damaged in their pride, and Xavi is very, very Barca. Nobody needs to explain it to him. It won’t be easy, but we can be optimistic. Right now no coach would bring more consensus among the fans than him. He’s the coach that everyone loves and he knows this place like nobody else.