No preseason
Xavi is yet to have a full preseason with his players. He only became Barcelona manager in November and is clearly still trying to install his philosophy at the club.
It can be agreed that most Barca players are still trying to understand Xavi and vice versa.
Xavi is yet to have a proper transfer window to bring in the players he really needs at Barca.
The January transfer window has been noted for being the most difficult to find quality players. Still, Xavi still managed to sign the likes of Garcia, Aubameyang, Dani Alves and Ferran Torres who haven’t done badly.
League position
Barcelona have been bundled out of both the Champions League and Europa League under Xavi. But he’s taken the Blaugrana to second in La Liga from the 9th position he met them.
What it means is that Xavi will most likely help Barca qualify for the Champions League next season, and even the Spanish Super Cup if they finish second. That was looking ever so unlikely before Koeman was fired.
Injuries
Every club have some key players whose absence will be heavily felt. Take Benzema and Vinicius away from Real Madrid and watch them crash like a pack of cards.
Xavi’s Barca have missed Pedri badly. We can also talk of Ansu Fati and Memphis who were Barca’s top two scorers before being struck down by injuries.
