“Such a big coward”, “Aimless team” – Barcelona fans slam Xavi for naming 2 players in line-up to face Girona

Barcelona fans have vented their frustration with Xavi on social media for naming Sergi Roberto and Eric Garcia in his starting lineup against Girona.

The Blaugrana host Girona at the Camp Nou on Monday (April 10) night, looking to continue their stranglehold on La Liga. The Blaugrana are atop the league, holding a comfortable 12-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid. They have won their last five games.

However, Xavi's men stumbled out of the Copa del Rey following a 4-0 (4-1 aggregate) home defeat to Madrid in midweek. That loss was stunning, as Barcelona were in scintillating form before that.

They're now up against a Girona side that sit 11th in the standings and have won two of their last five league games. Xavi has opted to start Roberto and Garcia for the clash, leading to criticism from Barca fans.

Roberto has been a valuable asset for the Blaugrana this season, providing depth at right-back and in midfield. He has made 28 appearances across competitions, scoring four goals and contributing three assists. The Spaniard signed a new contract in March, keeping him tied to the Camp Nou till 2024.

However, Barca fans would like to have seen Xavi use the youthful Pablo Torre instead of Roberto. They're also up in arms over Garcia starting, considering his underwhelming season.

The former Manchester City defender has lacked game time, starting 15 of 23 games. He has helped his side keep 13 clean sheets. Nevertheless, fans feel that the Blaugrana will struggle to keep a clean sheet with him in defence.

Xavi has started Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal, with Garcia joining Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde in defence. Meanwhile, Roberto is in midfield alongside Sergio Busquets and Gavi. Robert Lewandowski is in attack alongside Raphinha and Ansu Fati.

One fan blasted Xavi on Twitter:

"Pablo Torre >>> S. Roberto,....but Xavi's such a big Coward."

Another criticised the team Xavi chose:

"Wtf is Sergi Roberto doing here? Aimless team."

Here's how Twitter reacted to Xavi's selection of Roberto and Garcia against Girona:

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Barcelona president Joan Laporta pushing to renew Xavi's contract till 2026

Joan Laporta (right) has been impressed with Xavi's reign at Barcelona.

According to Cule Mania's Javi Miguel, Barcelona president Joan Laporta is actively looking to renew Xavi's contract. The Spanish coach's deal expires in 2024.

He returned to the Camp Nou in a managerial role last season and has enjoyed an impressive league campaign this term. He has overseen 23 wins in 27 games. Laporta is extremely happy with Xavi's performance as Blaugrana's boss and is impressed with the influence he has had on the dressing room.

The report adds that the Spaniard isn't keen on renewing his deal just yet as he wants to secure the league title first.