Xavi Reportedly Tears Into Barcelona Star in Tough Half Time Talk As Catalans Survive Vs Almeria

• Barcelona boss Xavi was reportedly incensed with his players during the clash with Almeria
• The defending champions struggled despite Almeria sitting at the bottom of the La Liga table
• The coach reportedly singled out some players with criticism including Robert Lewandowski

Xavi Hernandez reportedly went after his players during a tough half-time talk in their game against Almeria on December 20.

Barcelona showed the same level of rustiness they have displayed this season, throwing their title defence into a state of disarray.

The defending champions were expected to dominate the bottom-placed Almeria at home but struggled to get going.

Raphinha opened the scoring in the 33rd minute but the team was pegged back by Leo Baptistao four minutes before the break.

Xavi criticises Barca stars including Lewa

Xavi's reactions at half-time were telling, with the former La Blaugrana captain withdrawing Joao Felix and Andreas Christensen after 45 minutes. Football Espana reports the head coach was raging in the dressing room, slamming the tactics board as he called the first-half performance a 'disgrace.'

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The report further claims he singled out veteran striker, Robert Lewandowski for criticism. The talk seemed to have had an effect as the Pole set up Sergi Roberto's winner in the 83rd minute. The former Bayern Munich striker has had his fair share of problems in front of goal, netting only eight times.

The likes of Jude Bellingham, Girona's Artem Dovybk, and Getafe's Borja Mayoral have scored more goals than him in the top scorers chat.

Barcelona will return to action on January 4 after the Christmas break when they face Las Palmas before heading to Saudi Arabia for the Supercopa Espana.

Xavi welcomes VAR changes

Sports Brief also previously reported that Xavi has welcomed the major shift in the Video Assistant Referee's (VAR) usage in the Spanish top division.

The ex-Barcelona midfielder has been one of the La Liga bosses at constant loggerheads with officials since his return to Camp Nou as a manager.

Spain's football federation, the RFEF, announced an agreement with the league to release footage from the VAR booth as a decision is being reviewed.