Xavi took the risk of playing four adolescents in Barca’s defeat to Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday. Before players like Hector Fort, Pau Cubarsi, and Marc Guiu were established later on, the game began with Lamine Yamal.
In extra time, Xavi substituted Sergi Roberto for Pedri, leaving Fermin Lopez on the bench, yet the fans are still upset at him.
Xavi’s decision backfired spectacularly as Roberto committed the slip that Bilbao scored their third goal of the match, seconds before the first half of extra time came to a close.
Allow me to explain.
Two Bilbao players chased down Roberto as he dwelt on the ball near his area:
He falls over and Bilbao gets a turnover:
They play a pass to Inaki Williams and the rest is history:
Many Barca fans on X believe that Xavi’s decision to introduce Roberto ahead of Fermin was a stackable offence.
💭Sarki: “Putting Sergi Roberto instead of Fermin is a sackable offence”
💭Kwaku Asante: “Xavi is so arse and I’m being charitable here. If he has any self-respect, he should leave this club immediately. Stupid decisions. You have a game in which your midfield is totally collapsed and you bring on Sergi Roberto? When you have Fermin and Romeu on your bench?”
💭Musti: “Bringing on Sergi Roberto instead of Fermin when we needed a goal is criminal.”
💭batatamantiger: “Fermin is on the bench and Xavi subs on Sergi Roberto this should be illegal”
💭Just Sophia: “You have Fermin on the bench, you brought Sergi Roberto. Really? Xavi”
Roberto also received a yellow card for blatantly pulling Inaki’s shirt later in extra time:
It was indeed a horrible cameo for the Barca captain.