Barcelona faced a bitter setback in their Champions League campaign after a late defeat against Antwerp, complicating their journey in the competition despite topping Group H. Manager Xavi Hernández, whose side’s defensive lapses led to the Belgian club’s last-minute goal, expressed deep concern and urgency for improvement post-match.
The devastating loss against Antwerp marked another blow for Barcelona, already reeling from a recent La Ligaus defeat to Girona. Xavi admitted the team’s discomfort, acknowledging a “bad run of results” and the opposition’s ease in creating chances against them. Despite securing the top spot in the group, Barcelona’s woes persisted, and Xavi stressed the imperative to enhance their performance.
“We weren’t good; the feelings are not good,” Xavi confessed after the disappointing outcome in Belgium. He acknowledged the team’s poor performance, emphasizing the need to move forward despite the harsh defeat. Attempting to put a positive spin on the situation, Xavi mentioned the toughness of the Champions League, highlighting previous victories against Porto while facing difficulties away from home.
Despite the defeat, Xavi focused on Barcelona’s primary objective—progressing to the Round of 16. He underscored the club’s challenging past years and expressed optimism about regaining their footballing prowess.
Xavi addressed individual errors within the team, conceding that individual mistakes were affecting the squad’s overall performance. The pressure of playing for Barcelona was noted, impacting players’ confidence and resulting in tension during matches.
Regarding squad decisions and conflicting messages between him and the Sporting Director, Deco, Xavi clarified that discussions within the club led to squad selections, attempting to downplay the issue’s significance in contrast to their on-field struggles.
Looking ahead, Xavi emphasized the importance of the upcoming match against Valencia, deeming it a “final.” He remained optimistic about Barcelona’s season, expressing confidence in turning around the team’s image and targeting success in the remaining competitions.
Despite the challenging moment, Xavi hinted at worse times in the past, maintaining a positive outlook and urging for improvements in the team’s performance and morale. Barcelona faces a pivotal period as they aim to bounce back and salvage their season.
