Outcast Barcelona defender determined to stay at club after Xavi appointment

Samuel Umtiti has been outcasted from the Barcelona starting eleven, but is determined to return after the appointment of Xavi.

Samuel Umtiti has been through the highest of highs and lowest of lows in just a few years. From being an undisputed starter at Barcelona, the Frenchman quickly fell down the pecking order.

Now, one does not even consider the defender when talking about the Barcelona back-line. Under Ronald Koeman, he has no involvement in the first-team dynamics and was a permanent feature on the bench.

According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, the arrival of Xavi has reignited the spirit in Umtiti, who knows things will start from scratch. The French international now hopes to once again prove his worth to Barcelona.

Also read: A team to call his own: Xavi and the much-awaited long-term project for Barcelona

The World Cup winner is said to be determined, now more than ever, to earn a place in the team and help out.

The Barcelona centre-back has been on the departure list for a long time, but his poor injury record has stopped him from moving out of the club.

His departure from Barcelona in the coming window seemed imminent, but now he does not think about changing clubs.

Yet, the question over his fitness remains. The French centre-back has found it difficult to find any continuity owing to his knee injury. Despite having good intentions to prove his worth, one wonders if he has truly recovered from his setbacks.

As it stands, Barcelona faces problems at the centre-back position. Injuries to Gerard Pique and Eric Garcia leave the manager with few options. Ronald Araujo has just returned from injury and will likely partner Clement Lenglet.

Xavi mentioned in his press conference that he will consider every player from scratch with no preconceived notions. Which means this could be well be the final chance for Samuel Umtiti.