Inevitably, as soon as Barcelona started winning a few games, Xavi’s decision to depart the club would be called into question.
Was it premature? Could he still be the man to lead the team forward?
Let’s not forget the circumstances that prompted the Barcelona legend to make the announcement in the first place.
January was a humiliating month for the manager.
First, Barcelona were thrashed by Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa. Then they were summarily knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Athletic Club. Subsequently, they were shocked by Villarreal, who staged a comeback with three goals in the final ten minutes of their domestic fixture, at a time when Barca were fighting their way back into contention in La Liga.