Xavi has transformed Barcelona into the world-class team it used to be. President Joan Laporta brought the Spaniard back into the club because he knew the club in and out and could implement the necessary changes needed to get the club back to the highest level. Fortunately, the former Al-Asad manager delivered the La Liga title for his beloved club last season.
While Barcelona remain a work in progress under Xavi, the legendary midfielder could be remembered at the club for transforming Lamine Yamal into an all-round footballer. Nonetheless, this may have to wait as soccer fans were furious with Xavi for risking to play the youngster despite his health issue against Porto last Wednesday.
Xavi explains why he subbed Lamine Yamal against Porto
Lamine Yamal mysteriously left the pitch in the 71st minute of the club’s Champions League game against Porto on Wednesday. He did not make it back to the pitch and was replaced by Marcos Alonso in the 80th minute, which means Barcelona played almost 10 minutes of the game with one less player. This caused great confusion among the fans, but Xavi gave his explanation of what happened in his post-match interview.
“Lamine Yamal was unwell. He had an illness, he had been telling me for a while. I took advantage of a break to tell him to be quick and go to the toilet, but in the end, they told me that he wouldn’t be able to get back on the pitch,” Xavi explained.
Despite playing with ten men for almost 10 minutes, Barcelona managed to protect their 1-0 lead to make it two wins out of two Champions League games this season. However, they may have felt the effect a little as Gavi was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 93rd minute.
Barça fans can expect to see more of Yamal this season and in the future, as the 16-year-old recently signed a new three-year contract with the club
Soccer fans are furious with Xavi for starting Lamine Yamal vs Porto
While Lamine Yamal is enjoying his breakthrough season with Barcelona, some soccer fans believe Xavi may be pushing the youngster too hard. At just 16, Yamal has played many games this season, and the Barcelona manager even risked playing him despite expressing his illness against Porto, something that has caused some fans to be furious with the manager.
“Lamine Yamal was sick. A 16-year-old boy was sick. Xavi was aware he was sick and almost played him for 90 minutes if he had not run out to visit the toilet. He was likely going to play the full 90 minutes; Xavi should be arrested,” a fan posted on Twitter.
“Xavi is really pushing Lamine Yamal. It seems like he’s trying to produce another Messi, which isn’t a good idea. Lamine is already getting more than he can handle. He’s got potential, but young players need time to develop and shouldn’t overtasked; otherwise, they must burn out,” another fan said.
Should Xavi give Lamine Yamal a breather?
