Barcelona are licking their wounds again having been eliminated from the Europa League by Manchester United, before losing ground in the La Liga title race on Sunday. It has sparked doubts about Xavi Hernandez’s project again, with Pedri’s importance growing by the day.
At Old Trafford, Barcelona struggled, and with Robert Lewandowski failing to convert in the final minutes, could not keep the pace with their hosts. It is part of a poor run of form for the Polish striker, who went down with injury following the Almeria defeat, and will be absent in El Clasico against Real Madrid.
However there may be another reason that Lewandowski looked a little less than his usual self – motivation.
According to Barcelona-based Joan Fontes, Xavi was conversing with Pepe Reina following Barcelona’s victory over Villarreal recently. The two coincided at La Masia and shared a dressing room with Spain for many years.
“How can I motivate Lewandowski to win that title?” Those were Xavi’s words ahead of the United tie.
As Fontes highlights, it casts further doubt on Xavi’s ability to might his players on a wider level.
Quite apart from the fact that motivating players is his job, it is concerning for Cules to think that some of their players are not giving their all in every game.
