'They want to win all their games' -  Amuneke admits ex-teammate Xavi is having challenges at Barcelona 

Former African Footballer of the Year and retired Nigeria international Emmanuel Amuneke has acknowledged that his former teammate at Barcelona, Xavi Hernández is having challenges at the Blaugrana.

Appointed Barcelona coach in November 2021, Xavi won La Liga last season and also the Supercopa de Espana. 

Xavi, who won the Champions League four times as a Barcelona player, has coached the Catalonia outfit in 113 matches across all competitions with a record of 70 wins, 20 draws and 23 losses. 

He was rewarded with a new two-year contract in September with the option of an additional year.

This season has not been easy for Xavi with Barcelona sitting in third place in La Liga, seven points behind Real Madrid after seventeen matches played. 

Although Barcelona advanced to the last 16 of the Champions League as group winners, they suffered losses to Shakhtar Donetsk and Royal Antwerp.

Asked if Xavi can replicate what he did last season, Amuneke said on Channels TV Sports: "I hope so. It's true he's having challenges and yesterday's game they saved a point. You know Barcelona's philosophy they want to win all their games.

"They want the team to win always and when you start having those challenges, of course people start talking. The media here they are very serious in criticizing the team and the coaches that are involved.

"I wish him all the best and I'm happy that someone that we played together is now a coach. He won the league last season, we hope that he can be able to turn the situation around."

According to reports, Joan Laporta, the president of Barcelona, is contemplating sacking Xavi and has identified the club's legendary center back Rafael Marquez as his potential successor.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: fcbarcelona.com 

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