In a surprising development, journalist Laia Tudel has reported that Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen voiced his concerns about manager Xavi Hernandez to the club’s leadership. This incident reportedly took place in December, following Barcelona’s 4-2 loss to Girona at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
After the defeat, Ter Stegen, a key figure in the squad, requested a meeting with the club’s top brass. Present at this gathering were club president Joan Laporta, vice-president Rafa Yuste, sporting director Deco, and Alejandro Echevarria. During the meeting, Ter Stegen articulated the squad’s unease regarding the team’s trajectory under Xavi’s leadership.
The German goalkeeper expressed his dissatisfaction with the team’s performances and conveyed that many players felt unfairly criticized by Xavi, especially after losses. This sentiment of being singled out after defeats was a significant point of contention within the dressing room.
Laia Tudel’s report suggests that Ter Stegen’s concerns had a substantial impact on Laporta. Despite publicly supporting Xavi in a press conference last month, Laporta’s confidence in the manager appears to have waned. As a result, Xavi’s future at the club seems uncertain.
Rumors are now circulating that Hansi Flick is the frontrunner to take over as Barcelona’s manager once the season concludes. The potential managerial change reflects the significant influence Ter Stegen’s feedback had on the club’s leadership.