What Adjustments Does Xavi Need to Make 10 Days Before PSG?

Last night’s match may not have signaled a progression or continuation of the positive sensations gathered against Napoli or Atlético, but Barcelona has regained something lost: that composure and solidity that were so crucial for an immaculate league title last season. True, they faced one of the best-prepared teams in the EA Sports League. However, it’s undeniable that when facing a team reduced to 10 men in the 24th minute, you can’t enter the final stretch with only a one-goal margin. Because then you experience what happened yesterday and what we’ve seen too many times this season. You suffer, unconsciously take a step back, and your opponent ends up creating clear chances.

Last night, many of the Barcelona fans enduring the storm at Montjuïc witnessed Moleiro’s left-footed strike as the match neared its end. Reaching such an extreme on a day like yesterday left Xavi dissatisfied, as he expressed in the post-match press conference and as was evident on his face.

POSITIVES TO NOTE But let’s return to that ‘magic’ the team has regained. That ability to compete and the physical leap, which perhaps was more evident against Napoli and Atlético but also surfaced yesterday. It’s undeniable that chances were created (albeit lacking finesse in the final third). There were opportunities aplenty, hitting the woodwork (14 times this season, including Lewy’s effort yesterday), high pressure, and impactful substitutes (Joao Félix, instrumental with a delightful assist to Raphinha). There’s undoubtedly a need to take another step forward in terms of gameplay.

In Paris, it will be vital to maintain solidity and play more synchronized and compact than ever, especially against players as influential as Mbappé or Dembélé. There’s a moderate optimism among the Barcelona faithful. The performances against Napoli and Atlético have slightly boosted the overall positivity. But logically, the potential of the Parisian squad demands maintaining composure and avoiding any euphoria.

Now, there are 10 clear days ahead to focus solely on that: PSG, the Parc des Princes, how to contain Mbappé, how to neutralize the vertical football proposed by Luis Enrique. Finding ways to harm the Parisians while keeping in mind that there’s a return leg at home, where Montjuïc will be a pressure cooker. This wait will probably feel endless for most of the Barcelona faithful, but not for Xavi and his staff. For now, they’re five points behind Madrid in the league, and if Madrid fails to win against Athletic tonight, they could find themselves in a tricky situation.