Barcelona looked as if they might put themselves out of reach in La Liga on Sunday night, with the chance to go 10 points clear at the top of the table, but it ended in a sobering night for the Blaugrana. With the exception of perhaps their exit from the Champions League, there is now more pressure than ever on the team.
Their next fixture of course is Real Madrid, at the Santiago Bernabeu. It could be a turning point in the season for the Blaugrana, who will need to show an entirely different side of themselves in the Copa del Rey.
Speaking to Sport after the game, Xavi Hernandez did not hold anything back when assessing the match.
“It is the worst game of the season, both in attack and defence, as well as in construction and intensity. Nothing came off for us. We were very slow. Perhaps fatigue takes its toll on us. We have had a bad game. I’m angry because it was an opportunity to get to ten points [ahead of Madrid] and we didn’t do it.”
“We are upset and we have to find solutions now, because the decisive stage in La Liga and the Cup is coming and we cannot fail anymore. It was a golden opportunity, Madrid having tied and we have had the worst game at the worst moment of the season. We have to change the chip and the mentality right now.”
He also highlighted what he felt the team lacked above all, and it was what was causing him most concern.
“I’m very annoyed, it was a day to strike a blow, not a definitive one, but important one in La Liga. We have failed, we have no excuse, we have not shown intensity, desire to win, and that is what worries me the most. Then you can play better or worse. We can fail, but in the first half we didn’t show passion or soul. We failed, we have to apologise to the fans. Today we couldn’t play in any way, we lose a golden opportunity.”
There is no doubt that Almeria played with more desire in the first half at least, looking to revert their own situation, having slipped into the relegation zone. Xavi wanted to use it as a wake up call for Barcelona, who suffered their first ever defeat to Almeria.
“You have to play with passion, desire and enthusiasm to win this League, which we haven’t won for three years. We have to do many more things. It’s going to be difficult for us, we’re not going to win it with points to spare, we’re competing against Real Madrid, champion of the Champions League and of La Liga”.
Strangerthings
0
super cup is a 4 man Micky competition lol u won't beat Madrid in copa da real
Lol, when you were celebrating it last year it was a big deal
sarabia007
0
Lol like we lost in the Supa cop final?
super cup is a 4 man Micky competition lol u won't beat Madrid in copa da real
SunnyKalu
0
First of,Xavi has done great to reverse the fortunes at the Nou camp since taking over.Nevertheless,he urgently needs to gain more technical experience in match reading and result oriented substitution... check out Ancellotti's and Eric Ten Haag's. Second,he must actively bring up players from the la masia ...show belief in them rather than looking for ready made or finished products from elsewhere. Finally,a team is as strong as it's bench really...if your first eleven are the only reliable or threatening players you have then you aren't ready to compete with the best around the world. Busquets,Alba etc should have budding replacements by now sir...they are clearly past their prime
I'm seeing annoited oil all over your head
SunnyKalu
0
Xavi should not be out but should be careful. I will not say he has lost Barcas identity but has made a change in the form of evolution. However, he should be mindful of this gambling he's doing cox its not helping. He's shown full doubt in Europe for 2 solid consecutive years. I'm not proud of him for now as a coach.
Strangerthings
0
I really didn't want to reply you again but take this seriously. This is the new updates on all time greatest players ranking. Let me give you an assignment. And pls don't comment again, unless you've done the assignment. Go to any magazines and type top 10 greatest players of all time. Anywhere you go, Zidane will be in top 5 or 6. Him and Cruyff are switching. It's but obvious you're kid but just go do more research, ok?
[image]
I’ve already seen maradona above cristiano and pele and you want me to take the list seriously ? Rubbish. I’ve seen some lists zidane made some but a majority of them were very flawed, Cristiano wasn’t even making top 5, can’t take them seriously. I have an assignment for you too kid, go and look up “the best passer in football history”. This isn’t a list that covers multiple ground and one player has to make his way in, this is a direct question. Tell me what you see there
champions_Madrid
0
Man stfu. You don’t have a point. You were literally here bragging about a fan made fake list to back up your baseless claims. Not one point in your mouth, just bias. Because zidane played for Madrid and I’m the clueless one, Yah sure. Keep being delusional, the facts are there.
I really didn't want to reply you again but take this seriously. This is the new updates on all time greatest players ranking. Let me give you an assignment. And pls don't comment again, unless you've done the assignment. Go to any magazines and type top 10 greatest players of all time. Anywhere you go, Zidane will be in top 5 or 6. Him and Cruyff are switching. It's but obvious you're kid but just go do more research, ok?
Strangerthings
0
LOL I've gone through your chats with him and am happy he said that to you 😂 Truly you're a senseless being. If not, you'll say Xavi is better than Zidane. That's blasphemy to say tbh😂😂😂😂
Lol another person without a point and you think I’d take you seriously. Like me saying r9 is better that cristiano because of nostalgia bias, without having a valid point. I’m not even supporting Xavi, if zidane was better I’d say it. If I see reason to say Zidane is better. And I really don’t, if you have a point I’d like to hear it, if you want to continue your bias just save it
Titanman
0
Man stfu. You don’t have a point. You were literally here bragging about a fan made fake list to back up your baseless claims. Not one point in your mouth, just bias. Because zidane played for Madrid and I’m the clueless one, Yah sure. Keep being delusional, the facts are there.
LOL I've gone through your chats with him and am happy he said that to you 😂 Truly you're a senseless being. If not, you'll say Xavi is better than Zidane. That's blasphemy to say tbh😂😂😂😂
Strangerthings
0
Needless arguing with a numbskull. Am sorry to say this but that's the fact. You're clueless. If there was a more demeaning word to describe you with, I'd gladly to that. Anyways do have a nice day
Man stfu. You don’t have a point. You were literally here bragging about a fan made fake list to back up your baseless claims. Not one point in your mouth, just bias. Because zidane played for Madrid and I’m the clueless one, Yah sure. Keep being delusional, the facts are there.
champions_Madrid
0
Needless arguing with a numbskull. Am sorry to say this but that's the fact. You're clueless. If there was a more demeaning word to describe you with, I'd gladly to that. Anyways do have a nice day
do**
champions_Madrid
0
There is no super ballon dor ranking, it’s fan Made, rubbish. Zidane top 5 players on what grounds?😂 who invited him? Messi, cristiano, pele, maradona, R9, cruyff... I literally gave you reasons why and and you said I’m arguing unreasonably, lol. You don’t even have a point as to why zidane is better I literally proved Xavi is better. With facts to back it up and your whole arguement is a fan made list? Lol
Needless arguing with a numbskull. Am sorry to say this but that's the fact. You're clueless. If there was a more demeaning word to describe you with, I'd gladly to that. Anyways do have a nice day
Strangerthings
0
You meant to tell me that Xavi is better than Zidane?😂. According to Super Ballon d'or ranking, Zidane, Iniesta and Modric are all better than Xavi. Moreover, Zidane is in top 5 best players of all time, Xavi isn't even in top 50. Pls bro just stop arguing unreasonably
There is no super ballon dor ranking, it’s fan Made, rubbish. Zidane top 5 players on what grounds?😂 who invited him? Messi, cristiano, pele, maradona, R9, cruyff... I literally gave you reasons why and and you said I’m arguing unreasonably, lol. You don’t even have a point as to why zidane is better I literally proved Xavi is better. With facts to back it up and your whole arguement is a fan made list? Lol
Pass2Pogba
0
this man is finished
have u started?
Strangerthings
0
You meant to tell me that Xavi is better than Zidane?😂. According to Super Ballon d'or ranking, Zidane, Iniesta and Modric are all better than Xavi. Moreover, Zidane is in top 5 best players of all time, Xavi isn't even in top 50. Pls bro just stop arguing unreasonably
You mean this super ballon dor rankings? Lol it’s fan made. Made by a fan. Lewandowski over Ronaldinho and you thought this was real?😂😂
Strangerthings
0
don't worry u wil still lose with the rested players
Lol like we lost in the Supa cop final?
champions_Madrid
0
At what ? First of all I don’t count cruyff as a midfielder was more of a cf. Xavi was a better passer than all of them, literally the best passer to walk this earth, better playmaker, and also had more assists than all of them as a central midfielder/ cdm, best vision, wasn’t the best dribbler but was still a very good dribbler, he was just that guy. Won everything there is to win, if not for messi and Ronaldo the best players to ever play the game he’d be comfortably in possession of two ballon dor’s. 4 times back to back iffhs playmaker of the year, 2008-2011. (This was whilst they won the Euros and the World Cup) only person who has more than him is messi with 5. Modric has one, zidane has one. Series and series of honours can’t even name them all.
You meant to tell me that Xavi is better than Zidane?😂. According to Super Ballon d'or ranking, Zidane, Iniesta and Modric are all better than Xavi. Moreover, Zidane is in top 5 best players of all time, Xavi isn't even in top 50. Pls bro just stop arguing unreasonably
Strangerthings
0
In la Liga, Zidane, Modric, Cruyff, and even Iniesta all are better than Xavi
At what ? First of all I don’t count cruyff as a midfielder was more of a cf. Xavi was a better passer than all of them, literally the best passer to walk this earth, better playmaker, and also had more assists than all of them as a central midfielder/ cdm, best vision, wasn’t the best dribbler but was still a very good dribbler, he was just that guy. Won everything there is to win, if not for messi and Ronaldo the best players to ever play the game he’d be comfortably in possession of two ballon dor’s. 4 times back to back iffhs playmaker of the year, 2008-2011. (This was whilst they won the Euros and the World Cup) only person who has more than him is messi with 5. Modric has one, zidane has one. Series and series of honours can’t even name them all.
lohailopz
0
Xavi just did that to give Madrid fans some hope 😂noting is stoping Barca from winning the league this season ✌🏿✌🏿
Layabcepuz
0
fuck
Layabcepuz
0
Xavi out
cuscdklnp
2
I think we can't place all the blames on Xavi though he underated his opponent but we don't have a strong team in the absence of dembele and pedri , these make the difference here Barcelona climbed on top of laliga is as a result dembele and pedri being on form. lewandosky become useless in absence of dembele and intense of midfield pedri has that confident to attack. I won't put blame on Xavi because he rest Arajo and started Eric. Xavi has really did quite well for this team with what he has .
Nenceiort
2
Xavi is the problem but the attack,if u don't have attackers who can force play like vini and benzema,at Barcelona it will be very difficult to create chances,no dembele no pedri to force the play,Raphina,ferran and Ansu fati just bring the ball behind with out creating fearful attack for Lewandowski to score goals,so how u expect goals to come..
lohailopz
0
First of,Xavi has done great to reverse the fortunes at the Nou camp since taking over.Nevertheless,he urgently needs to gain more technical experience in match reading and result oriented substitution... check out Ancellotti's and Eric Ten Haag's. Second,he must actively bring up players from the la masia ...show belief in them rather than looking for ready made or finished products from elsewhere. Finally,a team is as strong as it's bench really...if your first eleven are the only reliable or threatening players you have then you aren't ready to compete with the best around the world. Busquets,Alba etc should have budding replacements by now sir...they are clearly past their prime
You are the only Madrid fan I see with brain 🤛🏾🤛🏾
phemoranking
1
this man is finished
Nacbcdstz
0
Xavi underestimated Almaria to his own downfall. Why putting Arujo as a striker?
champions_Madrid
0
He’s correct. No body is above Xavi and this is simply a fact.
In la Liga, Zidane, Modric, Cruyff, and even Iniesta all are better than Xavi
champions_Madrid
0
He’s correct. No body is above Xavi and this is simply a fact.
😂😂😂Joke of the century
sarabia007
0
We play Madrid this Thursday, after our players played midweek, they needed rest
don't worry u wil still lose with the rested players
sarabia007
0
look at you he is the reason Barca are having issues but u don't remember he is also the reason Barca are on top of the league table
dembele and pedri are the reasons they are probably at there best form if u think otherwise u dnt understand football Barca is too big for in experienced xavi
BertezMoon
0
that's not my problem for now, my problem is the feeling I have seeing Chelsea lose😂
rislmotu
1
That's ur fault Mr xavi
Strangerthings
3
Truth is, if we have a choice. Players like Eric Garcia, Roberto, alba should only player when the rest of the back line is solid. If Eric plays, araujo, balde and kounde should be next to him. If Roberto plays the rest of the back line should be balde, araujo and Christensen. These lads shouldn’t play together, it’s too shaky
Saoeklpstu
2
they will still win the league. la Liga want to make the league interesting till end of the season. marketing ploy
Mopeimrty
4
First of,Xavi has done great to reverse the fortunes at the Nou camp since taking over.Nevertheless,he urgently needs to gain more technical experience in match reading and result oriented substitution... check out Ancellotti's and Eric Ten Haag's. Second,he must actively bring up players from the la masia ...show belief in them rather than looking for ready made or finished products from elsewhere. Finally,a team is as strong as it's bench really...if your first eleven are the only reliable or threatening players you have then you aren't ready to compete with the best around the world. Busquets,Alba etc should have budding replacements by now sir...they are clearly past their prime
Jasdeilm
0
xavi Barcelona Muhammad
Strangerthings
0
Greatest what?😂😂😂😂
He’s correct. No body is above Xavi and this is simply a fact.
Strangerthings
0
What worries most for me is Xavis decision making. Moment I saw this backline I realised we are doomed.
If you didn’t see that back line against almeria. You’d have seen it against almeria. Araujo might have even relapsed in his injury and kounde or balde might have picked up an injury, especially balde. After all the running he was doing against United, these things cause fatigue. Blame Xavi for the lack of tacktics not the squad
Strangerthings
0
Xavi expect to win everything, but your manage will end trophyless. Play Almeria thinking on Copa del Rey, that game was so important than next El classic which has two matches to be played, now imagine if real win, two trophy in risk.
Was the game really more important? . We’re still 7 points ahead. Yes we could have been further ahead but it’s not that bad. We play a Madrid on Thursday who rested their players well against atletico. And we’re still without pedri and dembele, even if we had pedri and dembele Madrid would still be favourites for the match. If we brought a tired squad to face them they would end the match in the bernabeu. And even when our players get back they won’t be able to cover a 3 goal lead. Not that we have a guaranteed win on a normal day
ZacharyB85
0
xavi you are the reason why Barcelona is having issues, you don't no how to sing plays
look at you he is the reason Barca are having issues but u don't remember he is also the reason Barca are on top of the league table
hewabcnosu
0
you are just a useless coach
you appear to be too raw in your language, how I wish you can remember the conditions under which the Team was b4 he took over. in total disarray. the same coach or manager if you like had beaten top teams in La Liga, R/M; Athletico Madrid;et al. just a slip, you all went mouth wagging. you can't be right all the time. kindly show some respect.
Vehacdet
0
The problem is that you think too much coach Xavi too many plans In your head
Strangerthings
0
Why must Xavi always start busquet, he is slow and old
Busquets played well, it was gavi and kessie that were bad today.
Feobckmntu
3
first of all, u need to look the mirror.then u can realise who did the mistake most.
Strangerthings
0
Xavi wait and see where your favoritism will take you...
Favoritism? We play Madrid on Thursday, players needed rest
Zedacdnuz
5
to be frank Barcelona team don't have system
Zedacdnuz
2
you don't no any thing about coaching
Yhtoku
4
some fans are irritating with comments. if xavi had won the match there won't have been any complain. He has to rest players due to fatigue, they are human being and need rest. every coach rest his best players at some point due to match accumulation. take a look at kounde, he has been scoring home goals recently. all the goals Manchester united scores came from his wing. Xavi have tried and he is doing his best. every coach losses a match due to fatigue, tactics, resting of players, etc but that doesn't mean they are bad. no matter how good a coach is, he can't always win. what matters is winning trophies.
Zedacdnuz
2
xavi you are the reason why Barcelona is having issues, you don't no how to sing plays
yayclprst
2
xavi I'm highly disappointed with what u have don. yesterday,the lineup is totally pure,
jonatzDjango
4
Start Rafinha, Araujo and Balde. Drop that useless Ferran Torres.