Originally, the plan was to break down how Barcelona are desperate for at least a draw against Atletico Madrid. Up 11 points in the table, both Madrid giants are mathematically still in the La Liga race, and a negative Barça result could mean a lot of trouble with nine more matches after this one.
Even with Pedri and Frenkie de Jong back, Xavi’s team has a lot of improving to do after failing to score in their last three games, a feat they haven’t “accomplished” since 2008.
With Raphinha, Ansu Fati, and Ferran Torres all dealing with different levels of frustration, physical issues, or mental ones, Xavi is looking for any answers along the forward line.
On the last listener question show, a reasonable plan was laid out for Lamine Yamal. Have him continue training with the first team, get his debut in the usual Catalan fixture to kick off the preseason, then look to give him a debut sometime next season with low stakes.
