What did Barcelona coach Xavi say in half-time locker room rant in Almería?

The half-time break in Almería might stick longer in the minds of the Barcelona players than most others. During those 15 minutes, they were on the receiving end of a scolding from head coach Xavi Hernández, who let them know exactly what thought of their awful first-half showing. “It’s our worst of the season”, he admitted in his post-match press conference, highlighting a lack of intensity and an apparent inability to win individual battles all over the field.

Within the confines of the locker room, however, Xavi didn’t hold back as he made his dismay at the performance abundantly clear. The stern look on the Barça coach’s face, along with the seriousness of the situation, led to total silence after the players had made their way in, which soon made way a talking-to that few of them are likely to forget. Nobody was spared as a few home truths were dishes out.

“We’re Barcelona and they’re toying with us”

“If you don’t have a soul, you can’t play for Barça”, was just one phrase that was heard echoing around the locker room at the Power Horse Stadium following the worst 45 minutes of the season so far. “I’m not asking you to play better or worse, but to show some pride”, Xavi stressed. “We can’t go on like this for another minute more. We’re Barcelona and they’re toying with us”.

Tactical changes not enough

Once the shouting had died down, it was time to move over to the tactics board. Franck Kessié, who had barely been involved in the first half, was the first man to make way for Raphinha, whose introduction saw Barça go back to playing with two out-and-out wingers in an attempt to create space against a resolute Almería defence.

Ultimately, neither Xavi’s anger nor his tactical adjustments were enough to turn things around, although the team at least showed some fight and intensity in the second period. The telling off worked to a certain extent but proved to be too little, too late.