Barcelona rested players recalled for Antwerp clash to avoid sending ‘dangerous message’ on president’s ‘orders’

Heading into the Royal Antwerp game later this evening, Barcelona have announced a key change in itinerary, along with the inclusion of three first-team stars.

Robert Lewandowski, Ronald Araujo and Ilkay Gundogan were added to the squad, while the team is set to stay the night in Belgium and return Thursday morning.

These were the changes that were made ahead of the Antwerp game. But while it was branded as a last-minute change, reports suggest it was a pressured move from Barça’s end.

The influence of Joan Laporta

According to Adria Albets (h/t FCB World), the changes in the Barcelona squad against Royal Antwerp were made on account of Joan Laporta’s strict instructions.

Even though this is Barça’s last group game in the Champions League, with qualification to the next round already secured, Laporta didn’t want the first-team stars to be out of the squad.

The decision was influenced especially after a humiliating loss to Girona. Laporta believed that allowing these players to rest after a defeat would have sent a very dangerous message.

Xavi on these changes

In the pre-match presser, Xavi was about these changes to the squad. In response, the Spaniard attributed them to the change to the itinerary, which was made so that the team would spend more time as a group.

“The team, the President, Deco, and the club have talked about it. We are not going through different channels. Talking to the players as well. Changing the itinerary and doing one more night changes a lot,” Xavi said.

“Last minute changes to the Squad List? Whether they play or not we will decide tomorrow. It was because of the itinerary. To spend more time with the group,” the coach added.

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if Xavi utilises Lewandowski, Gundogan or Araujo in this dead-rubber affair this evening. Frenkie de Jong, meanwhile, missed out due to a fever.