Barcelona manager Xavi has come around to support youngster Ansu Fati who has been struggling this season. The 20-year-old has only managed four goals and three assists in 25 La Liga games.

However, most of the games have been as a substitute, and he has made only nine starts in La Liga all season. 

His inconsistencies have seen him start games on the bench in a situation that has not gone down well with the player’s father, Bori Fati, who said his son deserves more playing time since inheriting the number ten jersey at the club.

Bori went on to claim he was annoyed with the situation and was already thinking about finding a move away from Barcelona for his son.

After the outburst, the player started Barcelona’s 4-1 win away at Elche on Saturday and scored the team’s second goal early in the second half. His performance must have informed Xavi’s confidence in him and the patience to deal with Fati’s father’s outburst, which he claims, he will not entertain.

“He is calm and focused. I only care about him, not his father or his entourage. I have also lived through similar situations, he is suffering for his son, and I understand him. I have confidence and total faith in Ansu. I’ve spoken to him a lot, and I’ve met him many times, as I have with many other players. I’m the first one who wants him to succeed.” Xavi said.

Barcelona’s next game is the second leg of their el Clasico in the Copa Del Rey semi-final, which they lead by a single goal from the first leg at Santiago Bernabeu.

Meanwhile, Barcelona leads La Liga with 12 points after their 4-1 victory despite Real Madrid’s 6-0 win against Rayo Vallecano. Karim Benzema scored a hat trick.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu