Announcing that a manger is departing at the end of the season can go one of two ways. Either the dead man walking proves unable to motivate his squad and the whole thing unravels, or the relief of knowing there’s a finite amount of time left gives everyone a lift.
In the case of Xavi, so far it’s been more the latter than the former. His time at the club has not been a disaster, it’s simply a lack of tangible progress over time that’s leading to Barcelona wanting to try something new. And since his announcement a month ago, his team are unbeaten.
They’ve progressed in the Champions League and picked up form against some weaker sides in the league. Tonight’s game against Atletico is the biggest challenge they’ve had since that announcement, and the outgoing coach will be desperate to get another win which would not all but guarantee he leaves the team with Champions League, but also would add another flourish to the CV he’s about to have to start sending out.
