Barcelona are a complete mess right now.While they sit second in the La Liga table and are still in the Champions League, there's no denying the Blaugrana are a far cry from the halcyon days under managers Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique.Without the influential figure of Lionel Messi this season, Barca would probably be struggling to qualify for the Champions League next season.Quique Setien has failed to improve the team since taking over from Ernesto Valverde and it's abundantly clear that the Spaniard should not be the man to carry the team forward.The manager they need is club legend, Xavi Hernandez. However, the Spaniard has made a decision which will delay his inevitable return to the Catalonian club.Al-Sadd today announced that the 40-year-old has extended his contract at the club until 2021.
Mundo Deportivo report that there is a clause in the new deal which would allow him to leave to join Barcelona.
We all know he's going to end up there, but his decision to avoid the sinking ship at the Camp Nou right now is yet more evidence of what a mess Barca find themselves in.
The damage done by Setien's ineptitude as manager and the sub-par leadership of president Josep Maria Bartomeu is really beginning to show.
As such, it's no surprise to hear rumours of Lionel Messi potentially seeking an exit in the near future if significant changes are not made.
It appears as if both Messi and Xavi are waiting to see the results of the club's presidential election in 2021.
GIVEMESPORT'S Danny Ryan says...
The coming months are going to be difficult, Barcelona fans.
With Setien and Bartomeu at the club, progress is going to be nigh-on impossible to achieve and it could very well force Messi out of the club prematurely.
However, there are glimmers of hope that a new era could be ushered in next year.
If a new president comes in, Xavi will likely take up the job as manager and if he does that, the odds on Messi remaining in Catalonia will shorten dramatically.
Try and cling to that optimism, Cules.