There is a real sense of optimism and positivity around Barcelona, who appear a club revitalised under boss Xavi Hernandez.
The Catalan giants enter this Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid unbeaten in 12 league games, winning each of their last four and scoring four or more goals in five of their last nine matches across all competitions. Their resurgent form has seen them enter the top three in La Liga, and within five points of second-placed Sevilla.
Former Barca captain Xavi was appointed at the Camp Nou after Ronald Koeman was sacked at the end of October – following humbling league defeats against Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano respectively, continuing a slow start to the season. Ahead of Xavi’s first game in charge, Barca were languishing in ninth spot in La Liga – with just 17 points from their opening 12 matches.
The return of Xavi as Koeman’s successor was another sign that Barca were returning to their past, just as they had done with the return of club president Joan Laporta in March last year. The two have legendary status at the club, but they will know better than anyone that this perception alone will not be enough to stall discontent should results turn.
Across the divide of El Clasico, Aitor Karanka spent five seasons at the heart of the Real Madrid defence – helping the club to a remarkable three Champions League titles in that timeframe. A native of the Basque Country, Karanka swiftly became highly thought-of in coaching circles and, four years after hanging up his boots, he was appointed as number two to Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.
Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football , LaLigaTV - where you can watch El Clasico - pundit Karanka sent a reminder to Xavi that despite his legendary status among Barca’s fanbase – the former midfielder maestro held the record number of appearances for the Blaugrana until being eclipsed by Lionel Messi last year – the stature of the club and expectations of the supporters mean that only success matters.
Have Your Say! Can Xavi take Barca back to Europe's elite? Tell us what you think here.
Xavi need only look to his predecessor at the Camp Nou; Koeman held iconic status at Barca due to his remarkable playing career and hitting the winning goal for the club’s first ever European Cup title, against Sampdoria in the 1992 final at Wembley.
Karanka explained to Mirror Football : “At clubs like Barcelona, the expectation is that you win every single game and every single trophy. Xavi might be a legend but football has a very short memory and the crowd do not think about the coach or the players – they just want to wins.
“With their financial situation they may not be able to sign the players that they would sign with more money, but the pressure will still be there. Xavi’s status might be useful for a period but if Barcelona do not win games and competitions, there will be another coach.”
Barca’s well-documented financial problems have largely dictated the decline in the club’s results in recent years; they have not reached the Champions League final since 2015 and are now set to miss out on the title in La Liga for the third successive season. These may not prove to be alarming at any other club, but at a club of Barca’s stature – these figures are droughts.
Karanka has praised the job of Xavi, who has overseen a notable upturn in results and performances at the Camp Nou across his four months at the helm. “Xavi was calm at the beginning and that was important because Barcelona were in a bad moment and very far from where the club is used to being, and a long way from Real Madrid,” added the former Madrid assistant – who is now a technical analyst for UEFA and who will be working on behalf of La Liga for Sunday’s El Clasico.
“He kept his message that it was going to be a long journey and that has won the support of the fans. The person who does not always get the headlines but is very important is Jordi Cruyff – the players that the club have signed is very good. It is not a coincidence that when you have better players, the team plays better. The team now is much better and importantly, Xavi has the players that he likes and that he wanted. It is very important for any coach to have the profile of player that you have requested.
“Xavi also impressed me with how he has handled Ousmane Dembele. He is a player that has not always played in the past but now he is one of the best players who is scoring or assisting in every single game.”
Sunday represents the biggest challenge to Barca’s mini-resurgence; a trip to league leaders Real Madrid, who are 10 points clear at the top of the standings. Carlo Ancelotti’s side are bang in form too, and are still riding the crest of the wave that saw Madrid stun Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. A quickfire second half hat-trick from Karim Benzema turned the tie in the hosts' favour with a comeback described as "magic" by boss Ancelotti.
While Los Blancos had a midweek off from European football, Barcelona faced a Thursday night trip to Galatasaray – which was disrupted by fireworks from the home fans in the middle of the night. This did not represent ideal preparation for their league encounter three days later.
“Home advantage is always an advantage in these games,” Karanka added, when discussing which side would be favourites for the game. “Especially when Real Madrid defeated PSG ten days ago and have had a chance to rest a little this week. They had a few players with injury knocks so we need to see who is fit.”
“Barcelona do not have the same time to prepare for the game – and Barca have more pressure to win this El Clasico because they need to continue adding points to be in the Champions League next year. Real Madrid are favourites to win this game and even if it is a draw, that would suit them more than Barcelona.”
Indeed, Barca can feasibly end the matchday in fifth place – with Atletico Madrid behind them on goal difference only with Real Betis just two points further back. Xavi’s side do have one game in hand over both rivals, but the race for Champions League qualification could go to the wire.
This weekend’s El Clasico will represent his first La Liga meeting against Real Madrid – who edged Barca 3-2 in extra-time in their Spanish Supercopa clash in January. Xavi will know that only victories and tangible success will be enough to keep critics from the door as he aims to bring Barca back to Europe’s elite.
Karanka organised last year’s AK Coaches' World congress, bringing many of coaching’s most prestigious names together. The former Spain international had spells in charge of Middlesbrough (whom he guided to the Premier League ), Nottingham Forest and Birmingham City, believes building and maintaining bonds between those in the coaching community is vital.
Karanka concluded: “The profession is updating and evolving every single day, we are always learning.” Few will know this better than Xavi, who now faces his biggest test yet as a coach at the home of fierce rivals Real Madrid.
Don’t miss ElClásico this Sunday exclusively on LaLigaTV, available in the UK via Premier Sports and Amazon Prime Video Channels.
Pick up your Daily Mirror every day of the Cheltenham Festival for a FREE £2 shop bet with William Hill which can be used on any of the sporting action! 18 + Terms apply. See tomorrow's paper for your voucher.
