Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has urged his side to be self-critical and look to improve ahead of their match against Inter Milan.
The Blaugrana will host the Nerazzurri at the Spotify Camp Nou in a must-win UEFA Champions League encounter on Wednesday (October 12). Should they fail to win, Xavi's side will face an almighty struggle to qualify for the knockouts.
They will enter the match against Inter following a 1-0 victory against Celta Vigo in La Liga on Sunday (October 9). Barcelona eventually ended up with all three points, but ceded way too many opportunities to Celta and were lucky to keep hold of their clean sheet.
Speaking after the match, Xavi issued a stern message to his troops and said (via Sport as quoted by Barca Blaugranes):
“It’s a huge win but we have to be the team of the first 30 minutes moving forward. If we play like we played in the second half today, it will be difficult to beat Inter.”
The Barcelona manager continued:
“We have to improve, we have to be self-critical. The first half is good, the intensity was good, we created a lot of chances and have to kill the game off. If we get the second, it all changes.”
Xavi concluded:
“We were not good in the second half. We let Celta press. Maybe it was tiredness, fatigue. Psychologically we dipped and they had two or three clear chances on the counter.”
Barcelona return to the top of La Liga with win over Celta Vigo
Barcelona entered their home match against Celta Vigo as the leading scorers in La Liga with 19 goals in seven matches. However, the visitors managed to stifle their more-fancied opponents for much of the contest.
The Catalan giants were bright to start the contest, with Raphinha and Ferran Torres forcing a couple of good saves from Agustin Marchesin early on. They eventually took the lead in the 17th minute after Unai Nunez's error left Pedri Gonzalez with a tap-in from just a few yards out.
Xavi Hernandez's side were in control for much of the first half, but Celta were the better side after the break as the hosts' defense was stretched time and again. Gerard Pique made a crucial goal-line block while Marc-Andre ter Stegen was forced into a couple of good saves. Celta also had a goal ruled out for offside.
Barcelona will hope for a more thorough performance against Inter Milan. Otherwise, a repeat of the 1-0 defeat they suffered against the Nerazzurri at the San Siro last week could be on the cards.
fladii17waneaguweird
0
just sayn
hiwdlnpsuz
0
I expect xavi to do a better job not making mistakes,if you do remember your sack letter,don't forget
hiwdlnpsuz
0
stop making controversy in the headline,xavi should look what's his mistake in every match not putting controversy in the headline
hiwdlnpsuz
0
I expect xavi to do a better job
Tahadeiru
0
He is not a coach to take barca to the next level !!!
vuaipuy
0
Am I the only one who doesn't like how Sergio bursket play
yes u are the only one:)
Hamsa_Baydaani
0
Xavi saying in second half it all changes and we have to kill the game in first half, then why you don't change second half too and be better then the first half and dominate the game don't be small minded xavi and go for war against inter and bayern and you must win for us
lukcimpsz
1
if Barcelona will not Qualify champions league next round Xavi is gonna getting sacked straight
Nopmnoptuz
0
De jong has to be starting every match
Nopmnoptuz
1
Am I the only one who doesn't like how Sergio bursket play
Tutdekory
1
nmtc t tc CT c the c 56
Liscdeirtz
0
I hope lewa you are saving your goals for Inter and Madrid😈😈
No he’s saving them for unknown teams 😅😂😅
yibbcdimou
0
since you want to turn Barcelona into Spanish team you are not going anywhere. this is not a coach
Vabballer2k6
1
Barca Needs Lewandoski To Show Up Not LewanGHOSTski🤣😅😂😂😫😅
Vabballer2k6
1
Bayern Munchen In This Group 😂🤣😅😅🤣💯🥳🇩🇪🇩🇪🥳💫
Hauadsu
0
I know you can do it if you want, Barca 💪💪💪
JimsyJar
0
If you want to win, please tell Dembele not to be playing individual ball, and also don't start Gavi
No Kessie has injury
MkonoJr
0
Still De Yong is better ☺️
🙌🏾
Jeailosy
0
message not delivered
RomarioTru
0
accep Boss.start a strong line up !!
Bohknpsy
0
Barcelona deserve to win next match by full means
thanks rival
Suwcenoruz
1
Stop playing Pedri and Gavi . Gavi must sit on the bench . Play Pedri and De Jong
u don't know about football, at all.
levineymar
0
Barcelona will win inter without stress
Z_i_k_k_0
0
With that hype they should be easily beat like Inter nah 😂 they can't even beat so should stop dreaming for UCL focus on Laliga Copa del Rey and others
Coming from a psg fan
teeacdlpr
1
Europa League squad, soon 😜😎
Faoson30
0
What’s your point
With that hype they should be easily beat like Inter nah 😂 they can't even beat so should stop dreaming for UCL focus on Laliga Copa del Rey and others
Faoson30
0
Did you even see Gavi's performance yesterday ? you are just dumb. Gavi is one of the better pressers in that midfield plus he is the one who made the run that led to the goal.
Still De Yong is better ☺️
wialerluka
2
Barcelona deserve to win next match by full means
MkonoJr
0
Stop playing Pedri and Gavi . Gavi must sit on the bench . Play Pedri and De Jong
Did you even see Gavi's performance yesterday ? you are just dumb. Gavi is one of the better pressers in that midfield plus he is the one who made the run that led to the goal.
powamosyz
5
Stop playing Pedri and Gavi . Gavi must sit on the bench . Play Pedri and De Jong
Dobcenory
3
I hope lewa you are saving your goals for Inter and Madrid😈😈
vombenpstz
2
xavi, busquet must be on bench this time
mutabitz
1
they will never qualify
Copaiku
2
JakeJoe
0
we need ferran in the midfield to attack for goals not for possesion .dembele have to start make runs without the ball on his foot to get assist from midfielders to score like mbappe bcause he have skills and speed
[image]
Ferran in Mid field.. i rather Go blind man
JakeJoe
1
Xavi frustrated by Barcelona form following Celta Vigo win. “The second half wasn’t good, we stopped pushing and putting them under pressure. “Psychologically we have dropped off and ended up with two or three clear chances against us. “Today we haven’t been comfortable, but without being fine, you have to play these games. This coach is getting me pissed off.. Always complaining How was it so possible playing Alonso in CB... Making Players get Tired easily... Ruin their Fatigue
bronzebomber2
2
Barca will surely qualify, i believe
Rezbcelpy
3
Don't start Gavi in front of De Jong and Ferran Torres in front of Ansu, please we need win to qualify rather than texting there abilities to assume. Xavi
zudacestuy
0
probably best lineup to beat inter
[image]
it clear you are not Barca fan so please rest
LM 10
2
Barcelona teammates were not able to give proper balls to Lewandoski inside the box in both games against Inter and Celta...so they must make good pass to Lewandoski then we all know what he can do ...we must win against Inter no matter...#Forca_barca
kingea
0
🚨Who knew that Liverpool will be on the 10th position with 10 points this season,on the 10th of 10th month of the calender after selling their number 10 star player?🏴
nice one bro
LosMendo
1
overrated, but atop the table, what is your logic young man?
Antisocial0
0
probably best lineup to beat inter
[image]
Are you sure you’re a Barca fan 😂
Beautifulboy
4
Lewy cooling of for the next matches Inter and Madrid.💧
nipbdmopr
0
Inter Milan will win tomorrow. They'll loose again
okay let's see then.
nipbdmopr
0
Barcelona is overrated like English players
overrated, but atop the table, what is your logic young man?
myklm
0
Yeah so overhyped but lose to inter😂
What’s your point
Fiacdinsz
1
we need ferran in the midfield to attack for goals not for possesion .dembele have to start make runs without the ball on his foot to get assist from midfielders to score like mbappe bcause he have skills and speed
Amgnonijunior
3
Xavi will start Gavi instead of Kessie, Ferran Torres instead of Fati or Raphinha
Faoson30
1
If you want to win, please tell Dembele not to be playing individual ball, and also don't start Gavi
Start de Yong or Kessie