Xavi’s Stern Rebuke of Lewandowski and the Barça Squad: A Pricey Win

Introduction

As FC Barcelona bid farewell to 2023 with a narrow victory over Almería (3-2), the celebratory mood was dampened by an intense halftime dressing-down from coach Xavi Hernández. The price of the hard-fought win was a scathing rebuke that left no player unscathed. Xavi’s anger reverberated across the entire squad, with Robert Lewandowski bearing the brunt of the coach’s frustration. This article delves into the aftermath of Barcelona’s last official match of the year, exploring the implications of Xavi’s stern words and the impact on key players.

The Fiery Halftime Episode

In the wake of a lackluster first half against Almería, Xavi Hernández did not mince words as he entered the dressing room. Reports from ‘Mundo Deportivo’ and ‘As’ suggest that the coach’s reprimand was not merely a stern talking-to, but a full-blown dressing-down. The atmosphere was tense, with Xavi resorting to strong language and directing his ire at several players, including some of the team’s heavyweights.

Lewandowski’s Public Chastisement

Robert Lewandowski, the prolific Polish striker, found himself under the spotlight as Xavi publicly scolded him with a direct and forceful message: “Start running for once!” The blunt critique aimed at the striker highlighted Xavi’s frustration with what he perceived as a lack of effort from the team’s attacking spearhead. It was a rare public admonishment for a player of Lewandowski’s stature, indicating the gravity of the situation.

Christensen and Félix: Actions Speak Louder than Words

For defenders Andreas Christensen and forward Joao Félix, Xavi’s disapproval took a different form. Following the halftime rebuke, both players remained in the dressing room and did not return to the pitch. Christensen, known for his reserved demeanor, accepted the consequences stoically, demonstrating professionalism. On the other hand, Félix, true to his reputation for occasional immaturity, reacted more strongly, showcasing his frustration with the situation.

Xavi’s Emotional Outburst

The halftime scene was described as chaotic, with Xavi visibly agitated, gesturing animatedly, and even kicking various objects. The coach’s emotional outburst was a stark reflection of his disappointment with the team’s lackluster performance in the first half. Blending expletives with passionate pleas, Xavi accused the team of lacking spirit, soul, and ambition. His demand for the players to “run like pigs” encapsulated the intensity of his frustration.

The Collective Responsibility

While Lewandowski, Christensen, and Félix were specifically called out, it’s essential to note that Xavi and his coaching staff deemed the entire team responsible for the lackluster first-half display. The collective failure prompted Xavi to take drastic measures, aiming to awaken the team from what he perceived as complacency and indifference.