Xavi Ready to ‘Crack the Whip’ at Barcelona for the Second Time

• Barcelona manager Xavi is set to punish his squad again if they fail to win their next game
• The club legend was unhappy with his team's effort and punished them on New Year's Day
• The La Liga leaders next turn their attention to Copa del Rey when they take on CF Intercity

Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez was highly disappointed, following his side's 1-1 draw against Espanyol in the Catalan derby on Saturday afternoon.

La Blaugrana took an early lead courtesy of a strike from Marcos Alonso in the first half at Camp Nou.

But the ex-Chelsea left wing-back would go from hero to zero after he was penalised in the penalty box, which allowed Joselu to equalise from the spot to earn a valuable point for the away side.

Barcelona still top the La Liga table following the result, but their gap to second-placed Real Madrid has been reduced to only goal difference between the two Spanish powerhouses.

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Why Xavi punished Barcelona squad

According to Diario AS, the initial plan was for the Barcelona squad to have a day off on January 1 to celebrate the New Year with their families.

But the report further suggests that Xavi was left furious after the result and called his side in for a training session.

Xavi prepared to punish again

The Catalan giants face a pretty panic-stricken few weeks, after finally returning to action after the 2022 World Cup.

Barcelona will face Intercity in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, before travelling to Wanda Metropolitano to face Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid on Sunday in a La Liga clash.

On January 6 - also celebrated as King’s Day (Dia de los Reyes) - the club has another training session scheduled.

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A win against Intercity would normally have seen that training cancelled, but the threat of coming into training while their families are celebrating hangs over the players.

The Camp Nou outfit will then fly out to Saudi Arabia to lock horns against Real Betis in a Spanish Super Cup encounter, Barca Blaugranes reports.

Barcelona fans angry at Xavi

Xavi has received some criticism from Barcelona fans, following his decision to start Marcos Alonso in the club’s local derby against Espanyol.

Alonso was to play in a four-man defence including Andreas Christensen, Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba, Sports Brief reported.

Fans took to social media to express their displeasure at the Barcelona manager, after the starting line-up for the crucial game was revealed by the club on Twitter.