Barcelona fans have expressed their frustration with Xavi on social media for naming Sergi Roberto and Eric Garcia in their starting XI against Girona.
The Blaugrana host Girona at Camp Nou on Monday night (April 10), looking to continue their dominance in La Liga. The Blaugrana are at the top of the league, with a comfortable 12-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid. They have won their last five games.
However, Xavi’s men were left out of the Copa del Rey after a 4-0 home loss (4-1 on aggregate) to Madrid in midweek. That defeat was impressive, as Barcelona were in brilliant form before that.
Now they face a Girona side that sits 11th in the standings and has won two of its last five league games. Xavi has opted for Roberto and García as starters for the clash, which has provoked criticism from the Barca fans.
Roberto has been a valuable asset for the Blaugrana this season, adding depth at right-back and in midfield. He has made 28 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals and providing three assists. The Spaniard signed a new contract in March, keeping him tied to the Camp Nou until 2024.
However, the Barcelona fans would have liked to see Xavi use the young Pablo Torre instead of Roberto. They’re also excited about Garcia’s starting job, considering his disappointing season.
The former Manchester City defender has lacked playing time, starting 15 of 23 games. He has helped his team keep 13 clean sheets. However, fans feel the Blaugrana will struggle to keep a clean sheet with him in defence.
Xavi has started Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal, with Garcia joining Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde in defence. Meanwhile, Roberto is in the midfield along with Sergio Busquets and Gavi. Robert Lewandowski is in attack together with Raphinha and Ansu Fati.
A fan criticized Xavi on Twitter:
“Pablo Torre >>> S. Roberto,….but Xavi is a great Coward.”
Another criticized the team that Xavi chose:
“What is Sergi Roberto doing here? Team aimlessly”.
This is how Twitter reacted to the selection of Roberto and García de Xavi against Girona:
GARCIA IN BC 
Barcelona president Joan Laporta pushes to renew Xavi’s contract until 2026
According to Javi Miguel of Cule Mania, Barcelona president Joan Laporta is actively looking to renew Xavi’s contract. The Spanish coach’s contract expires in 2024.
He returned to the Camp Nou as manager last season and has enjoyed an impressive league campaign this season. He has overseen 23 wins in 27 games. Laporta is very happy with Xavi’s performance as a Blaugrana coach and is impressed with the influence he has had in the dressing room.
The report adds that the Spaniard is not interested in renewing his contract yet as he wants to secure the league title first.