Barcelona – A curious anecdote has emerged regarding former FC Barcelona midfielder Alexander Hleb, detailing a surprising act during his time with the club. The story, revealed by ex-Barcelona academy player Albert Dalmau, centers around Hleb allegedly mixing alcohol into his Gatorade although on the bench during a preseason match.
Dalmau shared the story on the podcast ‘Montiliving,’ recounting an incident that occurred during a tour in Asia. According to Dalmau, Hleb, already aware that his departure from Barcelona was imminent, decided to add a “culín” (a small amount) of alcohol to his sports drink as a way to pass the time during a match. “He knew he would be leaving in two or three days, and in the typical Gatorade bottle, there was Gatorade, but he as well added a little alcohol,” Dalmau stated.
The revelation offers a glimpse into the mindset of a player whose time at Barcelona, despite being part of a historic treble-winning squad under Pep Guardiola, was ultimately underwhelming. Hleb arrived at the Camp Nou in 2008 from Arsenal with high expectations, but struggled to identify a consistent role in a midfield already dominated by Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta. Sport reported on the story, highlighting the context of Hleb’s situation.
A Treble Winner, But a Peripheral Figure
Despite being a member of the Barcelona team that achieved the unprecedented feat of winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League in the 2008-09 season, Hleb’s contribution was limited. His lack of playing time led to a series of loan spells away from the club, first to VfB Stuttgart, then Birmingham City, and later to VfL Wolfsburg. The Belarusian international ultimately reached an agreement with Barcelona to terminate his contract, allowing him to continue his career with PFC Krylia Sovetov Samara.
Hleb’s struggles at Barcelona have been a topic of reflection for the player himself. He has acknowledged making mistakes in his career, specifically regretting his decision to leave Arsenal, and admitting he failed to adapt to the demands of the Catalan club. The incident with the alcohol, while seemingly lighthearted, underscores a period of frustration and disillusionment for the midfielder.
Context of a Looming Departure
The timing of the incident is crucial. Dalmau emphasized that Hleb was fully aware of his impending exit, which likely contributed to his relaxed attitude. The Asian tour was intended as an opportunity to find a resolution that would benefit both the player and the club, as it was clear Hleb wasn’t a central figure in Guardiola’s plans. This context suggests Hleb’s actions weren’t a sign of disrespect, but rather a way to cope with an uncomfortable situation.
The story also highlights the intense competition for places within the Barcelona squad during that era. The midfield partnership of Xavi and Iniesta was arguably the best in the world, leaving limited opportunities for other players to establish themselves. Hleb, a talented player in his own right, simply couldn’t break into the starting lineup consistently.
Hleb’s Subsequent Career
Following his departure from Barcelona, Hleb’s career continued to wander. His loan spells didn’t revitalize his form, and he eventually found himself playing in Russia with Krylia Sovetov Samara. He later had stints in various other clubs before eventually retiring from professional football. While he achieved success with Barcelona in winning the treble, his time at the club remains a cautionary tale of a talented player failing to find his footing in a star-studded team.
The anecdote, as recounted by Dalmau, provides a unique and somewhat amusing insight into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of a world-class football club. It serves as a reminder that even amidst the glamour and success of professional sport, players are still individuals navigating personal challenges, and uncertainties. The story has resurfaced recently, gaining traction in sports news outlets like OneFootball and Marca.
Looking ahead, Barcelona continues to build its legacy, with a novel generation of talent emerging. The club’s focus remains on competing for titles and maintaining its position as one of the world’s leading football clubs. The story of Alexander Hleb serves as a reminder of the challenges players face in adapting to new environments and the importance of finding the right fit to succeed at the highest level.
The next La Liga match for Barcelona is scheduled for April 5th against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (21:00 CET/15:00 ET). The match is expected to be a crucial encounter in the title race.
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