The coach is very clear about his ideal bet for Barça’s attack line
Xavi has not yet been able to give continuity to his initial idea at an offensive level
When Xavi got to work planning the Barça squad this season, I was very clear about the three footballers who should occupy the three attacking positions. It is true that the club tried to sign Haaland, as much as they saw it, as it ended up being, impossible. In fact, the real first option, and it ended up being that way too, was Lewandowski. In that sense, the technician put everything on his side so that the operation ended up being a reality.
A huge percentage of Dembélé continuing at Barça, beyond the will of the footballer himself, key to ending up renewing, is from the coach himself, who has demonstrated his total trust in the French winger, who he sees more useful for him. team on the right wing. Along with Ousmane and Lewandowski, Xavi had and still has in mind who his third man in attack is: Ansu Fati. That’s how he thought during the preseason and that’s how he continues to think today. The problem is that, with the youth squad, he has been forced to go slower than desired because his rehabilitation after being injured for so long has been managed with great tact.
But the plan is still in force and Dembélé, Robert and Ansu Fati aim, sooner rather than later, to become the usual trident of the Blaugrana team. Xavi ended up giving his approval to the arrival of Raphinha and, in that sense, he is satisfied with him beyond the fact that his performance is not what he showed during the preseason and the first weeks of competition. The truth is that in his scheme it was not a priority incorporation, although it was welcome.
The coach, as he has always stated when asked about it, is convinced that Ansu Fati will be a very important piece for the future of the team this season.
