Two days remain before the league resumes and Barcelona faces Athletic Bilbao at Montjuïc. The Sunday evening clash is set for 21:00, with anticipation mounting as Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona’s head coach, chose to address the team today in a moment when attention elsewhere was equally intense. The delegates’ meeting on Saturday is a focal point, as President Joan Laporta is prepared to defend his leadership and push for the idea of a social Madridism, speaking to delegates directly and through remote channels. The Negrera case remains in the spotlight, adding another layer to the week’s discourse.
This marks the emergence of a new term associated with Laporta’s rhetoric, a label he has applied to what he calls a central Madrid influence, formerly described as a “Spanish media cave.” The concept, now framed as “sociological Madridism”, has found resonance with Xavi’s own viewpoints within the team sphere.
We did not discuss this in the locker room, not at all. The only reliable course is to consult the public record—newspapers and official statements—where the president’s stance is often documented as a backdrop to the current squad concerns. The idea, as described by Xavi, has roots in a period when the club was repeatedly linked to allegations and narratives propagated by Madrid-based outlets, and when stories about Villarato and doping circulated widely. He recalled a time when a Madrid newspaper laid claims that the club was implicated in doping, a claim that the media landscape later reinterpreted or dismissed as part of a broader narrative machine.
Balde and Lamine Yamal are nearing a return
The Barcelona manager continues to monitor the list of injuries and is cautiously optimistic about reintroducing some of the sidelined players. He expects at least two of the eight players currently unavailable to be cleared for action in the upcoming league match against Athletic at Montjuïc. The game not only marks a return to league play but also opens a weekful schedule that includes a visit from Real Madrid to the Barcelona venue later in the month. In addition, a Champions League encounter with Shakhtar awaits midweek at an unusual kickoff time.
The squad situation remains tight, with only 13 first-team players available for three home fixtures in seven days. Balde and Lamine Yamal are nearing fitness, but the lineup remains missing key figures such as Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, Lewandowski, Koundé, and Sergi Roberto. The most recent update shows one more player entering the injury list, adding to the challenge the coach faces.
The manager stresses resilience and clarity of purpose, despite the injuries and the dense schedule. The priority remains securing three points in every match, reinforcing the team’s philosophy and competitive identity. The calendar and a streak of bad luck are acknowledged, but the coach makes it clear that these are explanations, not excuses, for the current obstacles. He emphasizes accountability and the need to stay true to the club’s core ideas, particularly when facing adversity.
In the latest briefing, the coach confirmed the expected availability of Lamine Yamal, Balde, Gündoğan, Araujo, and Ter Stegen for the upcoming game against Athletic. The fitness status of these players is presented as a sign that the team can compete at a high level despite the squeeze on personnel. This update underscores the importance of squad depth and strategic rotation as the week unfolds, with the aim of maintaining momentum and delivering a strong performance at home.
One more note on the broader context: as the season advances, the club seeks to balance competitive demands with the integrity of its playing style. The leadership’s stance, together with the coach’s practical approach to injuries and match readiness, reflects a concerted effort to keep the squad aligned with its established philosophy while navigating the realities of a demanding schedule. The players and staff remain focused on preparation, discipline, and collective effort, hoping to convert training progress into tangible results on Sunday and beyond.