Barcelona’s kids teach the adults a lesson in professionalism against Rayo

Barcelona achieved an important objective on Sunday by taking down Rayo Vallecano, traditionally an intractable opponent, and wrapping up second place in the league.

With it comes important financial rewards, and a place in the Spanish Supercup next season.

These are not big prizes for the players themselves. But for club president Joan Laporta, and other figures in the front office, it was essential that Xavi and his men get the job done.

So why were there so many distractions this week?

After months of supporting Xavi, and asking him to return as manager, in spite of the coach’s declaration to leave, Laporta did a spectacular 180. Simply because he didn’t like a few words that were stated.

Meanwhile, the business of the game on the field has to go on.

In spite of the drama, the players maintained their focus, and put in a very professional performance to secure the all important victory.

Fans as well registered their opinion. Get over yourself Mr. President.

Enough of this club turning itself into a media circus that the rest of the world laughs at.

Thank God there is an academy system that continues to cultivate mature young professionals ready to take on the demands of life in the spotlight at such a pressure cooker of a club.

Lamine Yamal, braces and all, with a big almost naive smile on his face, led the way again, with a sublime assist to Robert Lewandowski within minutes of the opening whistle.

In the second half, it was Pedri, still just 21 years old, who came on to score two world class goals. Almost as if to say, I see you Fermin Lopez, and you won’t be stealing my job any time soon.

These young players have risen to challenge, and never complain, in spite of the obstacles put in front of them. Some, like injuries, are part of life as a footballer. Other obstacles are man made by grown adults who should know better.

Xavi has his shortcomings as a manager. Sometimes when he speaks to the media, you cringe because of his analysis of the games, and propensity to make excuses for poor performances.

But in his analysis of the club, he is spot on.

And Joan Laporta, if he were smart, should be transparent and own it too. He’s not fooling anyone.

The truth is, he’s done some good things as president. The club is better off now than it was the day he arrived for his second stint in charge.

But they are still deep in the woods, looking for a way out.

To get there, he will need to back his manager, and that starts with growing thicker skin.

You made the choice to keep Xavi on when you could have moved on. Now stability and a sense of calm is necessary as they move into the summer. The next moves they make, they will need to get right. There cannot be another Vitor Roque misunderstanding.

Meanwhile, the players are locked in. The youngest ones are stepping up and carrying themselves with a maturity well beyond their years.

If they can do it, the guys wearing the suits better follow suit.

Success going into next season will be a team effort from the dressing room to the board room.

It all starts with professionalism and taking yourself, and the institution you represent, seriously.

Thank you Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and company, for setting the example.