FC Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez said that his young players cannot be the pillars of the team’s recovery after his side gave away the lead twice to Osasuna in a 2-2 draw.
The Blaugrana’s financial problems mean that Xavi has been forced to field a lot of youngsters in his matchday squad. However, goals from Nico Gonzalez and Abde Ezzalzouli saw Barcelona lead 2-1 against Osasuna away from home. However, Ezequiel Avila’s 86th-minute equaliser meant that Barcelona had to return home with only a single point. Hence after the match, Xavi was clear regarding his thoughts and what should people expect from these young players.
Barcelona have some amazing young talents in Gavi, Pedri, Ansu Fati, Nico Gonzalez, etc. But these players are not experienced enough to help the club in tight situations. Therefore when asked about the youngsters at Camp Nou, Xavi replied, “It is the positive note, but at the same time also negative.
“The players who are making a difference at the moment at Barca are 17, 18 and 19 years old. It is very positive for the future of the club, but it is also negative – they are so young that they will not always have this level,” he went on.
The former Barcelona midfielder is aware that these youngsters are still not ready to play regularly at this level as they aren’t mature enough. Hence his comments of young players not being the pillars of change for the club is completely justified. While youngsters are important for clubs in transition, it is the veterans who guide them through the experience and maturity that they have developed over the years.
Speaking on the 2-2 draw against Osasuna, Xavi highlighted how his team was not able to dominate the game in the final juncture and that has cost them a couple of points. He also points out how he needs a particular type of players who can control the ball more efficiently and change the dynamics.
Xavi added: “We have not been able to dominate the game in the final minutes. It required having the ball in the opposite end of the pitch. We have a very big problem with this. It is time to keep the ball to defend.
“Yes, we have to change the dynamics, but we have not been able to. It is a hard reality. It is not due to attitude or desire. It is 20, 25 minutes that we should have been in the opposite half. Control the game. We need this type of footballers”.
