Xavi’s stance on potential Dani Alves return confirmed
An insight into the stance of newly-appointed Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez when it comes to the potential return of Dani Alves has been forthcoming on Thursday.
Xavi arrives
The news which Blaugrana supporters across the globe were patiently awaiting was of course finally forthcoming earlier this week.
On the back of a dismal opening to the campaign, which culminated in the dismissal of Ronald Koeman late last month, the man set to lead Barcelona into a potentially prosperous new era was officially unveiled.
The tactician in question? Xavi Hernandez.
The moment has arrived pic.twitter.com/OkSunDBzRk
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 8, 2021
After speaking to the thousands of fans who turned out to the Camp Nou to show their support to the returning club legend, Xavi, over the course of the day, took questions from the awaiting media, providing an insight into his plans for Barcelona moving forward.
❝We have a clear plan and we are going to follow it point by point.❞
— Xavi pic.twitter.com/gOxwTB2oXF
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 8, 2021
Canal departs/Alves latest
And, evidently, one individual who did not fit into such ‘plans’ was Ramon Canal.
As per a report from ESPN, on Thursday, Xavi has continued to wield the axe across the increasingly under-pressure medical department in the Catalan capital.
On the back of a host of changes earlier this week, owing to a remarkable series of blows on the personnel front over the early months of the campaign, today, Ramon Canal, chief of medical services at Barca, was sent on his way:
Sigue la limpia de Xavi: Ramon Canal, jefe de los servicios médicos, analistas y preparadores físicos del FCB, ya es historia en el club…
— moisESPN (@moillorens) November 11, 2021
Another who also looks unlikely to have any form of future at the Camp Nou under Xavi’s reign, meanwhile, is Dani Alves.
Speculation pointing towards a potential Blaugrana reunion for Brazilian icon Alves first began to swirl last month, when the veteran, now 38, opened the door to a sensational return to his former stomping ground.
However, as per Spanish outlet Diario AS, among others, the new Barca boss has little interest in such a prospect.
This comes with Xavi keen to give priority to the latest up-and-coming crop of youngsters at the club, a pathway which would of course be blocked, at least temporarily, by Alves’ arrival.
Xavi’s Barcelona January budget revealed as he seeks squad overhaul
Barcelona to consider Chelsea forward Timo Werner for surprise January move