The FC Barcelona Player Xavi Hernandez Wants Sold In ‘Hardest Decision’ Since Taking Over

FC Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez is on the brink of making his ‘hardest decision’ since becoming first team coach with regards to a player he wishes to see sold.

The legendary midfielder took over from Ronald Koeman in November last year and was given a grace period despite finishing 2021/2022 trophyless with embarrassing exits from the Champions League and Europa League.

Though Barca once more failed to get out of the group in the aforementioned elite continental competition this term, they currently stand three points clear of bitter rivals Real Madrid at the La Liga summit.

The lion’s share of credit for this achievement has to go down to the recovered world class form of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and a stingy defense that is currently Barca’s best in 36 years.

Conceding just six goals in sixteen matches, the back line is on course to break records with Ter Stegen’s tally of 12 clean sheets not a far cry from a record haul by Claudio Bravo in 2015.

In Sunday’s 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano, the likes of Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde performed excellently and their collective top displays are leading Xavi to make his ‘hardest decision’ since assuming the reins according to El Nacional.

Signed on Koeman’s watch in the summer of 2021 on a free transfer from Manchester City, Eric Garcia believed that he would secure a place as a starter when Gerard Pique retired in November but is now “more of a substitute than before”.

The Catalan daily newspaper says that the Spain international is not meeting expectations, is no longer in Xavi’s plans ,and has been “overshadowed by Christensen and Kounde”.

Due to these factors, it is said that Xavi could make the hardest decision of his tenure thus far and is already considering shipping Garcia off.

Elsewhere, it has been reported that Mikel Arteta – who was once Pep Guardiola’s right-hand man at City but now heads league leaders Arsenal – is keen on a reunion with the 22-year-old.