Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández is fighting to keep the players onside with a section of the first-team squad losing faith in him, several sources have told ESPN.
Barça were beaten 4-1 by Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa final on Sunday, but sources say the disillusionment predates that humbling Clásico defeat in Saudi Arabia. — Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) Several players have been questioning the team's approach for a while.
They are also annoyed that Xavi said they have not been able to adapt to Barça's style of play. One source said not all the players share the same opinion, but that some feel he has not been as tough on certain members of the squad.
A source close to Xavi insists the coach's feeling is that the players are still with him while acknowledging there is always the possibility someone is unhappy within a 20-player squad.