Xavi returns to Barcelona: 5 challenges Xavi face after FC Barcelona return

Xavi Barcelona New Coach, Xavi returns to Barcelona: What should Xavi do to take FC Barcelona back to the summit of the footballing world? After spending 6 years in Qatar, Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez has made a sensational return to Camp Nou. The fan fest, the media coverage, and all hullabaloo aside, Xavi will have a tough task at Barcelona with the cash crunch, injuries, and poor performance.

Given the Catalan Club’s financial struggles- Xavi Hernandez isn’t taking charge under normal circumstances and that’s why, the legendary midfielder won’t have an easy job in his hands, but the Blaugrana faithful have a lot to look forward to and that’s why there is optimism among the Barcelona fans.

Monday was Xavi Day at Camp Nou! pic.twitter.com/qfhsjUsIn0

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 9, 2021

Xavi Barcelona New Coach, Xavi returns to Barcelona: What should Xavi do to take FC Barcelona back to the summit of the footballing world?

ℹ️ Barça presents the closure of the 2020/21 season with losses of 481 million euros

🔗 More information: https://t.co/M5oqwNiDel pic.twitter.com/BQY5SF5gL3

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 6, 2021

Xavi returns to Barcelona: We will take a look at what should Xavi Hernandez look to do to propel the struggling giants back to the summit of the game:

Restore the Barca DNA: Since Luis Enrique’s departure, Barcelona has not been playing in the classic “Tiki-Taka” way, which they used to do, which is keeping and as well as moving the ball at a pace all the time. When without the ball, Barcelona has always been known for overwhelming the team with their relentless high-press which helps to regain possession of the ball as soon as possible.

Earlier it used to be a nearly impossible task to dominate Barcelona, but in recent years we have seen them not only being dominated but also getting thrashed by opponents including the likes of Bayern Munich, PSG, and Liverpool.

Xavi Hernandez shouldn’t look too far on how to restructure this Barcelona side, just look at the model installed by Luis Enrique in his current Spanish side. Enrique’s Spanish side has a backbone made Barcelona players only, including the likes of Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Pedri, and Ansu Fati just to name a few.

Xavi Barcelona New Coach, Xavi returns to Barcelona: What should Xavi do to take FC Barcelona back to the summit of the footballing world?

Emphasis on La Masia: Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia academy has the potential to nurture Barcelona’s resurgence, it has already produced young stars like Ansu Fati, Nico Gonzales, Ronald Araujo, Oscar Mingueza and Gavi recently. Barcelona shouldn’t let a situation like Ilaix Moriba develop again. Young prospects with potential like Alex Collado should be given more 1^st team opportunities.
Buy a new defensive midfielder: Barcelona’s midfield has a brilliant young Spanish core including the likes of Pedri, Nico Gonzales, and Gavi but their captain Sergio Busquets is not getting any younger, Barcelona needs to replace him as soon as possible, the Catalans should look to pick up either Frank Kessie and Marcelo Brozovic on a free transfer from the Milan clubs. They can also look to sign Dennis Zakaria.

Papers: Franck Kessie on Barcelona's radar - Barca Blaugranes — Barcelona target Frank Kessie

Xavi returns to Barcelona: What should Xavi do to take FC Barcelona back to the summit of the footballing world?

Get a robust ball-playing center-back: Relying on a declining 35-year-old Gerard Pique, doesn’t seem to be the signs of a top-football club, Barcelona should look to recruit free-agents like Bayern Munich’s Niklas Sule and Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger. James Tarkowski could also be a presentable option.

Experts think Niklas Süle and Antonio Rüdiger can pair up in Germany's central-defense at 2022 World Cup - Bavarian Football Works — Germany National Team teammates

Promote B team Goalkeeper- Germany’s Marc Andre Ter Stegen has been one of the world’s top 5 goalkeepers in the last 5-6 years, but recently his level has dropped dramatically, he has been letting a lot of goals in. Inaki Pena is one of the most sought-after young goalkeepers in Spain, the 22-year-old is a Barcelona academy graduate, giving him a chance to show his quality, won’t be a very bad idea after all.

Iñaki Peña's words about Ter Stegen, his idol in Barça — La Masia Goalkeeper Inaki Pena

Xavi Barcelona New Coach, Xavi returns to Barcelona: What should Xavi do to take FC Barcelona back to the summit of the footballing world?

Squad Overhaul: Barcelona should look to overhaul the squad, players like Sergi Roberto and Lukk Dejong, Samuel Umtiti, Martin Braithwaite should be sold and quality young replacements should be found.