"How can the game be played like this?!"
After Barcelona's 4-2 defeat to Girona, club president Joan Laporta was furious and expressed his emotions in a roaring manner. In the 2023-24 season, Barcelona will be empty in La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup.
On May 5, the Daily Sport newspaper analysed Barça's strategy for the summer in detail. The 2-4 defeat to Girona tore off the last fig leaf, and the Barcelona management and coaching staff have agreed that this summer, there must be a radical reform and reorganization.
In the general direction, Barcelona president Joan Laporta, sporting director Deco, and first-team coach Xavi all believe that "it's time for change". According to Daily Sport, Xavi remains at the heart of the tactical level, and it is up to him to develop tactical innovations. As for the Barcelona players, there will be a huge change this summer.
A big change at the back!Kounte Araujo is available for sale
In the 2-4 defeat to Girona, the defense of Kounde and Araujo was embarrassed by Dovbique and Savio, and Cancelo was penetrated by Porto. "Daily Sport" said that Kounde and Araujo are no longer for sale, and they will be sold if there is a good offer, and it is not certain whether they will buy out Cancelo.
The Catalan outlet has revealed that Iñigo Martinez will play the role of the heart of the defence, with Xavi trusting him 100 per cent. Eric Garcia can play at right-back when he returns. In addition, Betis' Riyad (who returned on loan this summer) and 19-year-old B team youngster Faye can be reused.
A big overhaul in the midfield!Xavi hand-picked 3 people
In midfield, Xavi's most wanted midfielders are Kimmich (Bayern Munich) and Zubimendi (Real Sociedad). Although Andreas Christensen could play in a central midfield, Xavi believes the Dane's best position is at centre-back. Sergi Roberto will get a contract extension as a key figure in the stable locker room.
Romeu may choose to leave, and De Jong is no longer for sale, and he can sell if he has a good offer. Pedri, Gavi (still recovering from injury), Fermien and Gundogan have already shown their ability and determination to secure their positions next season. In the attacking midfield position, Xavi still has a lot of thoughts on seat B.
Barcelona's biggest problem
What worries Barcelona the most is the forward line. Lewandowski is about to be 36 years old, his speed and explosiveness have decreased significantly, and although his scoring ability is still there, he is no longer the world's top player. Lewandowski didn't want to go, but Barcelona was willing to sell him. The 19-year-old Vitor Roque is an important investment for Barça, but there is still a long way to go before he can play in the main team.
Ferran Torres, Yamal, Giu have Xavi's trust. Felix has been average and Barcelona are not planning to buy out the Portuguese striker. Raphinha's situation is more complicated, the Brazilian can play left and right, but still fails to live up to expectations, and Barcelona are willing to sell if there is a good offer.
According to the "Daily Sports" inventory
Saleable players: Kounde, Araujo, Romeu, De Jong, Lewandowski, Raphinha.
Players departing this summer: Joao Cancelo, Felix, Marcos Alonso (contract expires).
Players returning/promoted: Riyad, Faye, Eric Garcia.
Players to be brought in: Kimmich, Zubimendi, B.