Barcelona: Xavi slams La Liga for 'ludicrous' decision over Mallorca game

Up to 18 Barcelona players will not be able to play for their side this weekend.

Barcelona have suffered a Covid outbreak during the winter break. Ten of their first-team players have tested positive for COVID-19, while eight more players are out with injuries.

While the Premier League have postponed several games recently, La Liga officials have decided to go ahead as previously planned. Ahead of his side’s upcoming match against Mallorca, Xavi Hernandez is facing severe personal problems. The Barcelona boss has criticized La Liga in his pre-match press conference.

He said (via Independent): “I am concerned, of course. We are talking about 17 to 18 players missing… the fact that they (LaLiga) are not suspending the game, I find it ludicrous.

“If we had a bit of common sense, this game would not be played. Mallorca are also complaining they have many COVID-19 cases…. but the norms are what they are, they are very harsh.”

❗️ Barcelona and Dembélé will have one last meeting on Monday. If it ends without an agreement, the club will try to sell the French winger. [as]
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) January 1, 2022

Xavi on Dembele’s contract

Barcelona have been trying to tie Ousmane Dembele to a new deal. However, the player’s wage demands have reportedly made it hard for the club to agree to a new deal.

Asked about Dembele’s contract situation, the Barcelona boss responded:

“I am not sure,” Xavi said. “It is true that often the players’ agents make things complicated. Barca have been very clear about their position and now it’s a matter of negotiating.

“The situation the club is in is complicated… I am not sure, but hopefully, the two parties will come together.

“Ousmane is a player who is capable of making a difference. If he trains and plays well, he can be one of the best players in his position and we need that.”

Barcelona are seventh in LaLiga with 28 points from their 18 games. They are 18 points behind leaders Real Madrid, who have played one game more. Following their game against Mallorca, Barcelona will prepare to face Linares Deportivo in a Copa del Rey game on Wednesday.