I warned Hansi Flick about that particular player, he refused to bench him and He Almost lost the game Vs Levante … Hansi Flick is making the same mistake now, I’m warning him also”: Former Barcelona Manager Xavi names ONE player who doesn’t deserve to start for Barcelona, warned Flick about the unforgivable mistake

Former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández has sparked controversy once again, this time by directly criticizing Hansi Flick’s squad selections. Speaking in a bold and uncompromising tone, Xavi revealed that he had previously warned Flick about a certain player who, in his view, should not be starting for Barcelona. According to him, ignoring this warning nearly cost Barça the game against Levante — and he believes Flick is repeating the same unforgivable mistake.

Xavi, who only left the Barcelona dugout a few months ago, still keeps a close eye on the team he once led. His warning is not just an offhand comment but a passionate plea for Flick to recognize the weaknesses in his starting lineup. The former manager insisted that the player in question has been underperforming and lacks the qualities needed to be a regular starter for a club of Barcelona’s stature.

Recalling the narrow 3-2 victory over Levante, Xavi argued that Barça’s struggles in that match were directly linked to Flick’s insistence on trusting this individual. “I told him clearly,” Xavi said, “if he continues to play, Barcelona will continue to suffer. That match against Levante nearly proved me right. Now, I see the same risk happening again.”

The comments immediately set social media ablaze, with fans speculating over which player Xavi was referring to. While he stopped short of publicly naming him in the same breath, those who closely follow the team’s dynamics have their suspicions. Some supporters believe he is talking about a defensive weakness, while others argue it could be one of the more inconsistent attackers who has failed to deliver in big moments.

For Hansi Flick, these words come at a delicate time. The German tactician is still settling into his role as Barcelona’s new head coach, trying to balance a mix of youth and experience. Flick has been praised for his attacking philosophy and his work with younger players like Lamine Yamal and Pedri, but Xavi’s warning throws a shadow over his decision-making.

Xavi did not mince his words when reflecting on his past experience as coach. “I know the pressure at this club,” he admitted. “But I also know when a player is not good enough to carry the weight of the shirt. If Flick continues down this road, the same mistakes will be repeated, and Barcelona will pay the price.”

Critics argue that Xavi should step aside and allow Flick to manage the team his own way. After all, football is full of opinions, and every coach has their preferred system. Yet others believe that Xavi’s words carry authority, given his history with the club and his deep understanding of the dressing room.

The tension also highlights the enormous expectations placed on Hansi Flick. Managing Barcelona is never easy, especially when following in the footsteps of someone like Xavi, who remains a legendary figure at the club. Every decision Flick makes will be dissected, and every lineup will be compared to Xavi’s vision for the team.

Xavi’s remarks also raise deeper questions about Barcelona’s squad depth. Are there players who are starting by default due to lack of options? Is Flick forced to rely on underperforming individuals because the squad lacks balance in certain positions? These are concerns that go beyond coaching and point to the broader challenges facing the club.

What remains clear is that Barcelona cannot afford repeated mistakes. With LaLiga and the Champions League on the line, every selection matters, and the margin for error is razor-thin. Xavi’s words may be seen as interference, but they also serve as a stark warning: if the wrong players are trusted, the team’s ambitions could collapse in an instant.

For now, Flick faces a choice. He can heed Xavi’s advice and make adjustments, or he can continue down his own path and prove his predecessor wrong. Either way, the spotlight is firmly on him — and with Barcelona’s season still in its early stages, the consequences of his decisions could define the club’s trajectory for months to come.