After suffering back-to-back defeats, Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández is facing mounting pressure and speculation regarding his future at the club. On Sunday, Barcelona lost 4-2 to LaLiga leaders Girona at home, followed by a 3-2 defeat against Antwerp in the Champions League on Wednesday. Having now lost four out of their last nine matches, Barcelona finds themselves seven points off the top spot in the league. As a result, questions have been raised about Xavi’s ability to lead the team effectively.
Xavi’s Defiance
Despite the criticism and poor results, Xavi remains defiant and has no intention of stepping down as Barcelona coach. In a news conference, he dismissed suggestions that his time at the club had run its course, stating, “At the end of the season, you look at where you are and what you have won. I am a positive person. We can still have a great season. Everything is still in play.” Xavi emphasizes the importance of unity and belief in the project, urging everyone involved with the club to stay united during these challenging times.
Addressing the media’s role in creating unnecessary tension, Xavi explains that the recent decision to change the squad for the game against Antwerp was a joint decision. He emphasizes the need for stability, especially in the wake of losing Lionel Messi and the club’s ongoing financial difficulties. Xavi believes that successful projects require stability in order to overcome obstacles and bounce back from setbacks. As he puts it, “All winning projects have had stability when there have been bumps. We need stability. We have a winning project.”
Xavi expresses surprise at the lack of unity within the club and the media’s quickness to criticize during challenging times. He highlights the importance of staying united and resisting the temptation to jump ship at the first sign of difficulty. Xavi recalls a similar situation in October of the previous season, where Barcelona faced criticism but ultimately had a successful campaign. He believes that Barcelona can still achieve their goals and emphasizes the need for self-reflection and improvement.
Despite the recent setbacks, Xavi points out that Barcelona is still in the race. The team has qualified for the next round of the Champions League, which was their primary objective for the season. Additionally, they are still within striking distance in LaLiga. Xavi acknowledges that they need to earn more points and improve their performance, but he remains optimistic about their chances. He urges everyone to believe in the project and demonstrates his unwavering faith in the ability of the players.
The Road Ahead
As Barcelona prepares for their upcoming match against Valencia, Xavi emphasizes the importance of the project and stability. He acknowledges that a poor result in Valencia could put further pressure on the team and the project. However, he reiterates the need for belief and unity, encouraging everyone involved in the club to stand strong during these challenging times.
Xavi Hernández faces a critical period as Barcelona coach, with mounting pressure and skepticism surrounding his position. However, Xavi remains defiant and optimistic about the team’s prospects. He emphasizes the need for unity, stability, and self-reflection to overcome the current challenges. As Barcelona continues their season, the spotlight will be on Xavi and his ability to lead the team back to success.