Doubts surround the future of João Félix at Barcelona

João Félix is currently under scrutiny. Within the coaching circle at FC Barcelona, a debate has opened given to his lack of consistency and ups and downs in recent games. His performance against Almería was the straw that broke Xavi’s patience, who decided to leave him on the bench after the break.

Before that, the Portuguese had to endure the scolding of the coach, who was visibly displeased by the lack of intensity of his players. Obviously, João Félix was not the only player singled out by Xavi, but the change reflected the fact that he did not care about anyone or anything, even though he was Joan Laporta’s personal bet.

Jaão Félix was Laporta’s man

It should not be forgotten that the blaugrana president was the main supporter of João Félix’s arrival this summer. The sporting directors went through other names and profiles, aiming their net towards central midfielders who can score, with Giovani Lo Celso as an ideal candidate.

However, Laporta put the name of the Portuguese on the table and did not stop until he got the OK from the coaches. In addition, the signing of João Félix ensured the arrival of João Cancelo, one of the big requests of the coaches to cover the right wing.

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Gavi’s injury means Barça want a new signing

Xavi could not quite fit the Portuguese attacker on his tactics board: a system of four midfielders had been a success last season and Xavi’s dream was to have Frenkie, Gündogan, Pedri and Gavi together on the pitch, with Lo Celso in reserve alongside Oriol Romeu. However, such a dream lasted only one night as Laporta ended up bringing in João Félix and Cancelo at the same time.

The injury to Gavi, who will miss the whole season, also helped João Félix to keep his place in the starting eleven: after the defeat against Real Madrid at Montjuïc, the coaches began their wait for Frenkie and Pedri to recover from their injuries. If Gavi had not been seriously injured, with the return of the other two midfielders, the Portuguese would have lost his starting place.

Laporta said he wanted João Félix to continue

Now it has emerged that Xavi is once again demanding one more midfielder, with the excuse that he has a short squad as he will not be able to count on Gavi this season and Pedri is physically fragile. The arrival of a midfielder will theoretically serve to play once again with four midfielders in the field and therefore leave João Félix out of the equation as Barcelona continue their push in the LaLiga standings.

It is not only the coaches who are still not entirely convinced by Félix’s performance, but also the club’s financial managers, who shiver when they hear how much Atlético are asking for the player who Laporta seems convinced to sign permanently.

The truth is that, inside and outside the club, doubts are growing and every day he has fewer supporters. Things are going in the opposite direction for Cancelo, who not only has the blessing of the coaches, but also of the financial executives.