Barcelona boss Xavi ready to turn to surprise defender as ‘leader’ for next season | OneFootball

An insight into the plans of Barcelona head coach Xavi to solidify his defence for next season has on Sunday been provided.

The info comes courtesy of Diario Sport, and points towards Barca’s boss as having identified the answer to his side’s woes at the back amongst his current options.

The last couple of weeks have of course seen the subject of the Blaugrana’s sudden drop off in defensive solidity emerge as a headline talking point in Catalunya’s capital.

As much comes with the club’s concession of a hefty 13 goals across their last four outings having directly coincided with Barca’s season falling apart.

Changes, in turn, are already being planned with a view to the 2024/25 campaign.

And, as per the aforementioned Sport, one player in line for an altogether more prominent role next time out comes in the form of Iñigo Martínez.

Stopper Iñigo, for his part, has endured something of a hit-and-miss debut campaign in Blaugrana colours, on his way to 21 appearances across all competitions.

Xavi and his coaching staff, though, are said to ‘believe in him one hundred percent’.

Amid the ongoing speculation surrounding the futures of the likes or Ronald Araújo, Jules Koundé and João Cancelo, it is therefore confirmed that:

‘Xavi will turn to the character of Iñigo Martínez , one of the great reasons why he was signed, to act as a leader in the defense next season.’

Conor Laird | GSFN