Barcelona were eliminated from the Champions League after losing 3-0 to Bayern Munich midweek and Xavi Hernandez has claimed that his team are facing a mental issue.
The former Barcelona captain has stressed that him and his coaching staff are trying to lift up spirits within the team and remind the players of the club's objectives.
"It is a psychological issue rather than a football one," Xavi told the press conference.
"They have to believe it and that is my job. We are encouraging them to dare and be brave. At Barcelona it's not worth playing 6/10 or 7/10. You have to aim for excellence.
"This is what is missing. Courage, aiming high and not low because that is not what Barcelona do.
"Being brave and understanding the game, we are not that far from what we want.
"The squad has the level to compete and win titles. In the Bayern game there was also a psychological aspect, but also [a sign that] habits have been lost."
Despite being aware of Barcelona's financial issues, Xavi has already discussed with the board about potential reinforcements in the winter transfer window.
"The team always has to improve," added Xavi.
"There is a market and it is an opportunity. There is a lot of communication. It was a very productive meeting. I was clear. We have a financial problem, but we have to work to improve the team, the squad and be more competitive.
"I discussed it with the president and the board, but now is not the time to talk about it because tomorrow's game is key. We are concerned about the present."
Xavi believes that the defeat against Bayern Munich marked the end of an era and stressed that the upcoming Osasuna duel should serve as a springboard to another cycle.
"[We need to] make a general reset," he noted.
"First, [we need to] encourage the team. There cannot be the feeling that defeat is something established. You have to demand more soul, commitment, dedication and professionalism.
"With very demanding training. A cycle has ended and now a new Barcelona [era] begins.
"I remain optimistic. Tomorrow is another final, we can't lose any more points. We have no choice but to compete, cheer up because there is much left.
"We are not in the best moment in the club's history, but you have to be happy, to cheer up.
"We have improved, but against Bayern we saw an inferior Barcelona. We have to accept that they are better. We are working to get Barcelona back where they deserve.
"Tomorrow we have a very complicated game because Osasuna defend very well. Against the big teams, they have played with a back-five.
"We have to be protagonists in the game and attack. I do not know if they will pressure high up. It will be complicated because they defend very well in the area. They play direct football, a team with soul. We are prepared to compete."
Mbaliyu
0
Hahaha poor XAVI think he will come and turn Barcelona like ZIDANE did haha I hope he will not Barcelona in division two
did u just say built a team, zidane come and find the fully prepared I think you start watching football after the back-back-back that's why and if to say xavi would get as much as the team zidane get then I swear xavi would be more successful and tactical than zidane
zuzaklruyz
1
what xavi said is the truth
Kinginbojan
0
Let's call it what it is, Xavi, please. You have a lack of quality talent issue... Period!
Stop that weed bro
NiltonFernandez
5
Barcelona players have serious psycho damage...and that has been affecting them physically too...you see Busquet falling down every time he makes a pass, players don’t dare or believe their are strong...they even look intimidated overwhelmed...and that reflects on their performance...the new players are stronger even...
nephilim007
2
larporta is a Cow.he sold all the players and fail to replace them .guy is dumb
analyst_47
1
If Koeman said 1/8 of all this, the team would have improved. Laporta contributed to this mess by not demanding a lot from him, he just allowed him and supported him. Xavi is saying the right things, I'll only love to see him bench Catalan players like others. The team really needs time to get out of the very clear psychological problems and obstacles it has. Well done Xavi
abeejared
0
screw this team
vuaipuy
0
Well he is loaned.
and will be bought by Atleti, cause if he plays 60 percent of their games(which he will), they will have to buy him
raju7™
0
xavi out 😂😂😂
vuaipuy
0
You're right but with no money to buy expensive experienced established players you need as a coach to turn things around just like Tuchel did and won CL but under Lampard players were critisized and told they weren't good enough and that was not thru and the same is happening at Barca. A great coach would change formation and tactics to win games instead of losing by 3 goals and being humbled and blaming the players for their failures.
yes they would change things but fans would already feel depressed seeing a defensive team as a barcalona fan koeman after 3-0 to bayern was not called out for the result but particularly for the fact that he approached the game defensively, and bigger problem is the whole back line is of inexperienced players as well
OneLove⚽️
0
I believe the biggest current issues are the players unhappiness, the support and time. Many players on the squad are unhappy with the performance they give and the performance the team gives, and it's been like that for awhile. Then comes criticism from the public and the impatience. Many already realize Barça can't handle the big teams. Probably are gonna be battling for UCL spots, possibly even UEL. Shouldn't be seen as a bad thing as of now, they are rebuilding and it relieves pressure off the team. Players will need to be sold (good or bad), and also get the support they need.
You said it all bro👍.
FuckEverything
0
You're right but with no money to buy expensive experienced established players you need as a coach to turn things around just like Tuchel did and won CL but under Lampard players were critisized and told they weren't good enough and that was not thru and the same is happening at Barca. A great coach would change formation and tactics to win games instead of losing by 3 goals and being humbled and blaming the players for their failures.
I believe the biggest current issues are the players unhappiness, the support and time. Many players on the squad are unhappy with the performance they give and the performance the team gives, and it's been like that for awhile. Then comes criticism from the public and the impatience. Many already realize Barça can't handle the big teams. Probably are gonna be battling for UCL spots, possibly even UEL. Shouldn't be seen as a bad thing as of now, they are rebuilding and it relieves pressure off the team. Players will need to be sold (good or bad), and also get the support they need.
FuckEverything
0
first of all why barcelona sold griezmann, he is hell of a good player, he is the one who can win single handedly some games, which might be crucial for barca
Well he is loaned.
Schalke08
0
first of all why barcelona sold griezmann, he is hell of a good player, he is the one who can win single handedly some games, which might be crucial for barca
Yeah now that Messi left It would have been Grii time to shine but no...
pizbkrsuy
2
Let's go with this team
Virat_Jain
2
first of all why barcelona sold griezmann, he is hell of a good player, he is the one who can win single handedly some games, which might be crucial for barca
momenhuda
3
Messi, Griez departure & most of the 1st team player are injured, without player how can you do that? Barca become football club to hospital.
OneLove⚽️
0
it is literally said as a back five and we are not a defensive team
You're right but with no money to buy expensive experienced established players you need as a coach to turn things around just like Tuchel did and won CL but under Lampard players were critisized and told they weren't good enough and that was not thru and the same is happening at Barca. A great coach would change formation and tactics to win games instead of losing by 3 goals and being humbled and blaming the players for their failures.
Camepstu
0
If what Xavi is saying is true, every team that’s underperforming this season is having a psychological issue rather than a football one but isn’t not true. There were 32 teams who played in the group stage of UCL and only two teams score less goals than Barca: Dynamo Kiev and Malmo. Is that because of psychological problems the players are facing? 22 - Bayern 20 - Ajax 18 - Manchester City 17 - Liverpool 15 - Leipzig 14 - Real Madrid y Sporting Lisboa 13 - PSG & Chelsea 12 - Atalanta & Villarreal 11 - Manchester United 10 - Borussia Dortmund, Zenit & Juventus 8 - Inter & Salzburg 7 - Atlético, Sheriff, Benfica, Young Boys & Lille 6 - Brujas & Milan 5 - Sevilla & Wolfsburg 4 - Oporto 2 - Shakhtar Donetsk & BARCELONA 👀 1 - Dinamo Kiev & Malmö
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Ter stergen giving away the ball cheaply withing 2 minutes and 19 seconds to Lewandowski into the game what do you call that?
theoso
0
He didn't have any excuse when smacked real Madrid 5-0 6-2 tho 😂
Europa league 🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂, what a shame 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣😂😂
vuaipuy
0
Yes he was, he thaught just like what Xavi is doing the same mistake just mentally abusing the players by saying they ain't good enough or giving their all for Barca but he forgets that one thing that made Barca great was la Masia players and a great coach who knew the players and got the best out of them. Now with their greatest players gone Xavi needs to forget the 4-3-3 and play 3-4-1-2 pr 3-4-2-1 2nd pic is when they all fit +/- next month.
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it is literally said as a back five and we are not a defensive team
TeddyBarclay
6
From the very first day I saw the team playing under Xavi it show to me that it will always be inevitable that we will dominate football
demexcotop9
4
barca players after this comment. so are we going to training pitch or psychiatric hospital
OneLove⚽️
2
Yes he was, he thaught just like what Xavi is doing the same mistake just mentally abusing the players by saying they ain't good enough or giving their all for Barca but he forgets that one thing that made Barca great was la Masia players and a great coach who knew the players and got the best out of them. Now with their greatest players gone Xavi needs to forget the 4-3-3 and play 3-4-1-2 pr 3-4-2-1 2nd pic is when they all fit +/- next month.
ElBorracho
0
Let's call it what it is, Xavi, please. You have a lack of quality talent issue... Period!
lisablrsy
0
Messi was Barca that’s all
halacr7madrid
1
Xavi came and made a excuses football World have never seen now teams needs to go to psychiatric rather than training ground well done buddy u just made a difference 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Nacdlnstuz
4
xavi you're doing ur best to barca bcus u have change the team of playing style since u alive you're man for barca
fasacekmry
0
That psychological issue is when Barca playing team mates and people watching in the gallery feels Messi is there. But when they lose they realise Messi us not with Barca!
Akekala
1
It is slowing sinking in, the inevitable is coming! 😂
OneLove⚽️
0
We lack scorers... That's all.
Are you sure of that???, remember they lost by 3 goals so it's also their defence and it has been bad for years don't you see how they scored after that the next game bottled.
AdolfHitlerJrIsBack
0
cuwabilmnu
3
We lack scorers... That's all.
Wayabckos
2
According to this logic every team who is under performing is because of a psychological problem. Barça concede so easily goals because of a psychological problem or because of poor defending? Check the 3 goals Barça conceded against Bayern.
The case with Barca is different. They have been suffering big losses in UCL for a long time now. what xavi is saying is true...take Ter Stegen for example. 3-4 yrs ago his name was among best GK now he is a joke. Anfield, Roma, 8-2 broke him.
Wayabckos
3
Roma Anfield literally broke them and rest were just final nail in the coffin. imo players who played at Roma and Anfield should be sold out of Barca. They are broken mentally and transmit this mentality to the newcomers as well. Busquets, pique, alba, roberto, Ter Stegen (arguably) should go.
KpFKing
4
Dear Xavi. Motivation and encouragement could be better than criticizing. Some of the results are not their fault as everyone know, the squad is a mess after Messi left. The board should be responsible prior to the players.
Dex_kobina
1
Barcelona problem is spiritual and we must admit in good faiths.
Wayabckos
3
Xavi is a drama queen, always has excuses
He didn't have any excuse when smacked real Madrid 5-0 6-2 tho 😂
MadridMaldives
1
of course it's because of psychological issue. Barcelona created chances but they are low on confidence. That's why they keep Missing chances.
According to this logic every team who is under performing is because of a psychological problem. Barça concede so easily goals because of a psychological problem or because of poor defending? Check the 3 goals Barça conceded against Bayern.
Wayabckos
2
Barkelona is so broke that they decided to make camp nunu a marriage hall for some income 🥺
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NGL but watching Barcelona play in Europa and struggling to even fill their stadium. it was a bargain what they were paying to the GOAT Messi. He generated more income interns of revenue & literally made sure they finished top 3 in league also won back to back la Liga and UCL semi final in this dead team. He deserves 3 ballon d'ors for this.
Maxinolie
0
Barkelona is so broke that they decided to make camp nunu a marriage hall for some income 🥺
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I don’t see anything funny but insulting about this ..This isn’t football trolls
GAmuzu
0
It is like they think without Messi, they can’t win. Funny
kante123
1
Hahaha poor XAVI think he will come and turn Barcelona like ZIDANE did haha I hope he will not Barcelona in division two
Did u even see the players Zidane had compared to what xavi had??or r u toxic and childish just like other madrid fangirls
Wayabckos
0
If what Xavi is saying is true, every team that’s underperforming this season is having a psychological issue rather than a football one but isn’t not true. There were 32 teams who played in the group stage of UCL and only two teams score less goals than Barca: Dynamo Kiev and Malmo. Is that because of psychological problems the players are facing? 22 - Bayern 20 - Ajax 18 - Manchester City 17 - Liverpool 15 - Leipzig 14 - Real Madrid y Sporting Lisboa 13 - PSG & Chelsea 12 - Atalanta & Villarreal 11 - Manchester United 10 - Borussia Dortmund, Zenit & Juventus 8 - Inter & Salzburg 7 - Atlético, Sheriff, Benfica, Young Boys & Lille 6 - Brujas & Milan 5 - Sevilla & Wolfsburg 4 - Oporto 2 - Shakhtar Donetsk & BARCELONA 👀 1 - Dinamo Kiev & Malmö
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of course it's because of psychological issue. Barcelona created chances but they are low on confidence. That's why they keep Missing chances.
kante123
0
Then wt was Koemen problam?
Go see what firpo and pjanic said about him
machifeh
4
Congratulation my legend cameroon new president of football Eto'o
Bullyoftheearth
0
Yeah Barca lacks a lot of things especially in terms of players, yes many will say you’re making excuses but that’s the realty many teams are better than us as we mostly squeeze wins in our direction but very soon I know and hope we starting winning games by collective and individual brilliance
MadridMaldives
3
If what Xavi is saying is true, every team that’s underperforming this season is having a psychological issue rather than a football one but isn’t not true. There were 32 teams who played in the group stage of UCL and only two teams score less goals than Barca: Dynamo Kiev and Malmo. Is that because of psychological problems the players are facing? 22 - Bayern 20 - Ajax 18 - Manchester City 17 - Liverpool 15 - Leipzig 14 - Real Madrid y Sporting Lisboa 13 - PSG & Chelsea 12 - Atalanta & Villarreal 11 - Manchester United 10 - Borussia Dortmund, Zenit & Juventus 8 - Inter & Salzburg 7 - Atlético, Sheriff, Benfica, Young Boys & Lille 6 - Brujas & Milan 5 - Sevilla & Wolfsburg 4 - Oporto 2 - Shakhtar Donetsk & BARCELONA 👀 1 - Dinamo Kiev & Malmö
Jdjwuehdjsje
0
Because of 8-2 with Bayern Munich
No, it all started with Roma.
Jdjwuehdjsje
0
Then wt was Koemen problam?
He was toxic. He didn’t build the team up, but rather put down the people who had potential but aren’t exactly superstars yet.