The tension at FC Barcelona hit a boiling point as players gathered for a crisis meeting at Robert Lewandowski’s house on Monday. The team has been facing a turbulent atmosphere due to a recent string of poor performances. The Catalan pride suffered a 1-4 defeat against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final on January 14, and a 2-4 loss to Athletic Bilbao led to their elimination from the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.
The breaking point came with Saturday’s match against Villarreal, where Lewandowski’s side faced an unexpected 3-5 defeat. In the aftermath, coach Xavi announced his departure from the club at the end of the season. The coach’s decision shocked many Barcelona players, with reports suggesting emotional scenes during Xavi’s meeting with the team on Sunday. Some players, including Lewandowski and Joao Cancelo, were visibly moved. Spanish media reported that, in response to Xavi’s announcement, Barcelona players decided to meet privately, discussing the current situation without the coaching staff. There were speculations about a shared meal at Lewandowski’s residence in Sitges.
The team, led by captains, gathered to foster unity during this crucial moment in the season and attempt to reverse their fortunes. Recent social media footage showed Barcelona’s key players leaving Lewandowski’s house, greeted by journalists and fans. While most players headed straight to their parked cars, some took a moment to sign autographs and take photos with fans.
The exact details of the players’ discussions remain unknown, but it’s evident that Barcelona needs a swift recovery to salvage the season. Their next La Liga clash against Osasuna is scheduled for Wednesday (January 31). Xavi’s team currently trails Girona FC, the surprising league leader, by 11 points and is 10 points behind second-placed Real Madrid.
Despite the domestic struggles, Barcelona, including Lewandowski’s squad, is still in contention for success in the UEFA Champions League. In the Round of 16, they will face SSC Napoli.