FC Barcelona ended last season with a disastrous record: zero titles. However, at this point in the year, Flick's new Barça is no better than Xavi Hernández's.
We are in the 15th round and Hansi Flick's Barça, which has caused so much expectation, has 34 points.The same as Xavi's Barça had last year and four less than Xavi's Barça two years ago.
With 34 points, Barça is far behind Real Madrid, which won the title last season. With 38, Xavi's Barça was champion, 10 points ahead of Real Madrid.
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Curiously, the feelings of Barcelona fans are different from one year to the next. Last year, pessimism took over Barcelona fans, to the point that Xavi announced his departure halfway through the season.
Flick's Exciting Barça and Xavi's Disappointing Barça
This year, with the same number of points, the emergence of the youngsters has caused an opposite state of enthusiasm among the Barcelona fans. These youngsters were already with Xavi, however.
Flick's start was spectacular, with continuous thrashings and victories that culminated in the 4-0 at Bernabéu. Xavi had already experienced such a result in his second year in charge of the blaugrana.
The last three games, however, have blurred the trajectory of Flick's project. So much so that they have matched Xavi's "disappointing" Barça.
Flick's Barça can boast about being the leader, although they are one point behind the second-placed team and have played one game less. Last year at this time, Xavi's Barça was third, four points behind Real Madrid and Girona.
Two years ago, when Barça won its last league title, Xavi's team was leading the table, tied on points with Real Madrid.
Moreover, Xavi's last Barça had suffered one defeat at this point. Flick's Barça has already suffered three.
The Difference is in Europe
Perhaps the difference lies in Europe, where Flick's Barça is making steady progress after the defeat in the opening match in Monaco.
Barça is third, 21 places ahead of Real Madrid. Although, in Xavi's defense, it must be said that Barça was eliminated from the Champions League after an unfortunate tie with PSG.
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Barça won the round of 16 in Paris and was winning at Montjuic until Araújo's expulsion spoiled everything. This left the blaugrana team in the hands of PSG, did what it wanted with Barça in the last 60 minutes against ten players.
The conclusion is there. Hansi Flick's exciting Barça hasn't earned more points at this stage of LaLiga than Xavi's last and disappointing Barça.