Xavi benched world-class Frenkie de Jong yet again in the decisive match against Inter with Xavi out now trending on Twitter
Frenkie de Jong was not given the start by Xavi Hernandez in Barcelona’s crucial UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan on October 12. This decision has incensed the fans of Barcelona. Barca sought retribution against Inter after Inter defeated them 1-0 at the San Siro on October 4 in their matchup at the Nou Camp.
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Many had predicted that the boss would consider starting De Jong at camp now as Inter completely dominated the midfield at San Siro. In all competitions, the Dutch midfielder has made nine appearances, with the majority coming off the bench as a substitute. During the second game against Inter, Xavi refused to let the Dutchman start again.
The Spanish maestro chose the same starting lineup that lost last week in Milan with the exception of Andreas Christensen, who is out due to injury. He started Sergi Roberto, Gerard Pique, Eric Garcia, and Marcos Alonso along with Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Pique replaced the injured Christensen, however, he truly had an awful match. Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Ousmane Dembele were lined up in the attack, with Gavi, Sergio Busquets, and Pedri lining up in midfield.
Fans’ outrage at De Jong’s omission from the starting XI has received the majority of their attention.
Following are a few tweets from supporters expressing their disappointment with his omission:
Frenkie De Jong came on and instantly showed how big of an impact he can make. Should’ve started tonight, like I said before the game, but eh.
— Reshad Rahman ✆ (@ReshadRahman_) October 12, 2022
Xavi is an absolute fool for not starting De Jong and balde 🤦♂️ can’t believe this
— MC (@CrewsMat10) October 12, 2022
Xavi should be sacked just for benching him. pic.twitter.com/77p3Viq6XT
— 🇵🇰 (@Ayesha_umer_10) October 12, 2022
Xavi is stubborn. It's a Barcelona thing actually. Always glued to their Spanish players. This is why Madrid will always prosper because they play everybody; Black, White, Brown, Green, Purple, or whatever race you are, Madrid will play you.
— BeksFCB (@Joshua_Ubeku) October 13, 2022
Frenkie de Jong is a progressive monster. A very special player, makes me wonder why Xavi doesn't start him. Still so upset that Man Utd couldn't sign him last summer.
— UtdFaithfuls (@UtdFaithfuls) October 12, 2022
Xavi out
— Alex 🇲🇽🧉 #PiqueOut (@WasAraujoSZNN) October 12, 2022
Shameful game from Barça and Xavi.
Piqué should announce his retirement tonight.
And we need to explain on Xavi's part.— Realist (@viral_x4) October 12, 2022
Xavi is stupid
— Stunner jr (@Stunnerjr5) October 12, 2022
Xavi line up decisions ruined us
— BFazer (@BFazerH_) October 12, 2022
xavi is over favoring the spanish boys
— ACCRA MAYOR ❤️🥷 (@0panaa_1) October 12, 2022
Xavi is Spanish biased. Why didnt De Jong start? Gavi is nothing special
— b00stedRed (@InFamousM3L) October 12, 2022
Xavi madarchod hai
— Neyjr (@Neyjr26414925) October 12, 2022
Xavi is massively overrated
— The Transfer Insider (@TransfersIntel) October 12, 2022
Xavi is a fraud and he should go back to Qatar
— Kağan (@centumunus) October 12, 2022
🚨🚨| Joan Laporta is furious with Xavi, he is furious with ‘certain’ players & they are blaming everything. The focus is on El Clasico now, but then big decisions will be made.@jvehils [🎖️]
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) October 13, 2022
Pique and Busi’s time is up once this season’s done. Get past them now, no longer as good as they used to be — the ‘old guard’ should realize that and leave.
— Reshad Rahman ✆ (@ReshadRahman_) October 12, 2022
In order to survive in UCL, Barça had to defeat Inter, but they were unsuccessful.
After losing by a score of 1-0 to Inter on matchday three at the San Siro, Barcelona was in desperate need of a victory over Inter. Xavi’s team had opportunities on the night, but the Serie A team emerged victorious and now leads the Blaugrana by three points.
Due to their defeat, Barcelona may play in the UEFA Europa League for a second straight season. Barcelona was eliminated from the Champions League in the group stages in 2021, and they have yet again failed to amaze Europe this year. As a result, the fame of this great club is eroding day by day.
However, they have been in outstanding form in La Liga, winning seven of their eight games and presently holding the lead in the standings due to goal differential.
Xavi will be hoping that his squad can continue its success in the league into Europe. They haven’t done well thus far in the Champions League. Given that Barcelona had been the superior team for the majority of the first half, a 2-0 loss against Bayern Munich on matchday one was difficult to accept. On matchday 2, they did defeat Viktoria Plzen 5-1, but it was their performance against Simone Inzaghi’s Inter that was most impressive.