VAR in La Liga: Barcelona Boss Xavi Hernandez Welcomes New Changes in Spain

• Xavi Hernandez has welcomed the new changes in the VAR usage in La Liga
• The Spanish coach has been vocal about referee thinking being made public
• Barcelona play Almeria in their last game this year before the Christmas break

Barcelona coach, Xavi Hernandez has welcomed the major shift in the Video Assistant Referee's (VAR) usage in the Spanish top division.

Hernandez has been one of the La Liga coaches who has been at loggerheads with officials since he returned to Camp Nou as a manager.

What is the VAR change in La Liga?

The football federation in Spain, the RFEF, announced that it had agreed with La Liga to release images and audio from the VAR booth as a decision is being reviewed.

Hernandez has welcomed the move, terming it as a 'positive step in football'.

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"Fantastic. It’s a step forward in the world of football. It’s very positive that people see what’s happening and understand what referees are calling," he said as captured by Football Espana.

The manager of La Blaugrana has advocated for this move in the past. He also wanted the referees to be given an opportunity to explain their decisions after the game, something akin to the post-match conferences managers and players have.

"If we humanise the referees and they also explain themselves, it is positive for football."

Barcelona's form in La Liga

This comes at a time when Barcelona are struggling to keep pace with runaway league leaders, Girona and fierce rivals, Real Madrid.

They sit third with 35 points on the La Liga table, nine points shy of Girona. Barca have only won twice in their last five games, drawing with Valencia in their last game on December 16.

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The defending champions will play Almeria tomorrow, December 20, in their last fixture of the year.

Champions League round of 16 draw

Sports Brief has also reported that the standout fixture of the Champions League round of 16 is set to be when Napoli face La Liga counterparts, Barcelona.

Both sides are currently struggling for consistent form in their domestic leagues, despite being defending champions in Italy and Spain respectively.

Last season's finalists, Inter Milan will have a tricky tie against Atletico Madrid but are favourites to win the Scudetto this term after a pretty strong start.