Three talking points from Barcelona 0-0 Girona

Xavi’s Barcelona hosted Girona last night in their first fixture since the Copa del Rey humiliation against Real Madrid. The men in garnet and blue were expected to take a big step towards the league title by extending their lead on the table to 15 points but instead fell to a tame draw.

The Catalans were uninspiring across the field and lacked the usual fluid movements they have shown in La Liga. They created better chances but just could not find the all-important finish.

Real Madrid’s slip-up earlier in the week means that the Catalans still extended their lead by a solitary point. Barça Universal brings you three talking points from Barcelona vs Girona.

1. Subpar forwards

Matchday 28 of La Liga brought up some serious questions for the Blaugrana management.

Barcelona’s second successive slip-up at Spotify Camp Nou featured deficiencies from all departments except the goalkeeper. The defence was cut open repeatedly through aerial balls and the midfield lacked its usual dominance. Yet, it was the performance in the final third that left a bitter taste in the mouth.

Xavi opted to use Robert Lewandowski, Ansu Fati, and Raphinha against Michel’s men and stepped away from his four-midfielder tactic. While all three players cannot be blamed for a lack of intent, their effectiveness in front of the goal was poor beyond bounds.

Lewandowski did not record a single shot on target in the 90 minutes and appeared to doubt his own abilities in front of the goal. Despite having the chance to pull the trigger on many occasions, he hesitated for that fraction of a second and smothered his chance.

Fati was more provocative than his usual subdued self but was equally ineffective in challenging Paulo Gazzaniga. His two key passes and confidence to take on defenders was a positive development but did not translate to anything.

Raphinha, on the other hand, had some of the game’s biggest chances. The Brazilian was inspiring creativity but lacked the cutting edge in front of the goal.

2. Possible complacency?

Real Madrid’s shocking results against Villarreal was expected to be the impetus that pushed Barcelona to take all three points against Girona on Monday night. What happened appears to be the exact opposite.

The Blaugrana appeared very complacent on the night. There seemed to be no desire to gun for all three points knowing well that even a draw would see them maintain their lead over Real Madrid. The game went down as a missed opportunity.

La Liga may be mathematically close to being done, but no excuse justifies the Catalan complacency in the competition.

After their shocking exits from the Copa del Rey and Europe, Xavi’s men do not compete on any front apart from the Spanish League. For them to lack desire in the only competition they play a part in would be scandalous.

History has taught one to never rule Real Madrid out until it’s over. Ten matchdays remain, and even though a comeback is improbable for the Merengues, there is no necessity to risk it from the Blaugrana end.

3. Xavi’s weakness

Xavi Hernandez may have changed Barcelona’s situation in La Liga this season from the ruins of last year. Yet, he has been far from perfect on the touchlines.

Xavi’s resource management as a coach has been questionable on numerous occasions in his short stint so far. Despite talking great things about the youth players and giving them opportunities, the manager has failed to live up to his own words.

There is no youngster Xavi has consistently trusted apart from Alejandro Balde, Gavi and Pedri. His impulsive decision in the face of any adversity has been to look to veterans and he prefers deploying experienced campaigners out of position over young talents in their niche.

The game against Girona once again exposed the Spaniard’s inefficiencies as a manager.

Faced with a situation where his side lacked the creativity to break down the visitors’ defence, he opted to use Jordi Alba as a left-winger over Estanis Pedrola and Angel Alcaron whom he has spoken great things about.

His hesitancy to use Pablo Torre, who is by far the most creative player uninjured in the Catalan camp, even for a short cameo is beyond one’s understanding. All this indicates that there seems to be a serious sense of mistrust in Xavi towards his younger players.