The exclusion from the Champions League group stage was a severe blow to Barcelona, a result that prompted coach Xavi Hernandez to prepare a plan of action, accompanied by its president, Joan Laporta and sporting director Matteo Alemani, in order to strengthen the squad and ensure the top of the “La Liga” to the last round.
On Saturday, the Spanish newspaper “AS” published details of the trio’s work plan during the 2022 World Cup, specifically the issue of recruitment in the winter transfer phase, since it has become an imperative to improve some centers that suffer from the absence of distinguished players.
Lack of players and a long league
Xavi fears the future a lot, after the retirement of defender Gerard Pique, and the imminent departure of Dutch striker Memphis Depay, as he does not want to be satisfied with a list of only 22 players, at a time when the team faces the possibility of playing 40 full matches within 6 months.
Defensive names are a must
Xavi and the board of directors are targeting some distinguished defenders in La Liga clubs in particular, the first of whom is Villarreal’s defender, Argentine Juan Foyth, since the Catalan coach is not convinced of defenders such as Sergio Roberto and Hector Bellerin, while looking forward to the return of injured Araujo to form a duo with Jules Conde.
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Inigo Martinez is another solution
Barcelona is aware that its defensive problems were a major reason behind the bitter European exclusion, due to common mistakes, so it will focus on strengthening the back line by strengthening the inclusion of distinguished defenders, including Athletic Bilbao player Inigo Martinez, who was close to moving to him before the French deal was settled. conde.
Sociedad star to succeed Busquets
The meetings of coach Xavi and the board of directors include preliminary planning in anticipation of the next season, and how to compensate for the expected departure of midfielder Sergio Busquets. Its market value is 40 million euros, according to an assessment of the transfer market website, Transfermarkt.