On Saturday at 11.00 PM EAT, the Barcelona players will play against Valencia in the match of the 17th round of the Primera Division. As custom dictates, before leaving for this away game, Xavi held a press conference, but at it, he only received one single question regarding the match. Spanish journalists were much more interested in his future on the bench of the Catalan club.The reason was two consecutive defeats, against Girona in the championship and Antwerp in the Champions League. Considering that the latter did not have any significance result-wise, because even before the last round of the group stage, Barcelona had secured passage to the round of 16 of the elite competition, the coach of the current champion of Spain did not like the negative attitude of the media.”If we were eliminated from the Champions League, then I would understand. But that’s not the case. At the same time, we are competitive in the championship, where, the truth is, we have to improve and make up for the points gap, and we also play the Super Cup and Copa del Rey. It’s not clear to me, now is the time to stand by us, show faith in the project… But that’s why this is the most complicated club in the world, because of the environment,” the former Barca captain seemed angry.🔵🔴 Xavi on his future: “I’m NOT thinking about resigning. I’m fine, very excited thinking that we can have a great season”.“I believe more than ever in the project and the players. I have a great relationship with the president, with Deco, with Yuste”. pic.twitter.com/7lDKoNA3Z8— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 15, 2023 Xavi was even asked directly if he was worried about his future as Barcelona coach.”No, no. In any case, when the season ends we will make an analysis and look back on what has been done. I am positive, excited because we can have a great season. Everything is still on the cards. It is important that we are united and calm. I more than I always believe in this project and the players I have. There is a good collaboration with Deco and Laporta… We are halfway to making great Barcelona and it surprises me that there are people who jump ship at the first wave. We should all be united, but the media isn’t. This is the second time we’ve been attacked, but we still believe. Alarms often go off here, as soon as something goes wrong, but it’s just half of the season. Last season we were worse, and in the end we had a great season. Why don’t you think we could have a successful campaign? I’m surprised by your disbelief,” Xavi said.The young strategist also reflected on the praise he received recently.”A month ago you told me I was Barcelona’s Ferguson, and now you tell me I’m to be sacked. This club needs stability. We are a winning project. We know that in football you don’t live on old merits and that’s why we’re under construction again. There will be certain holes along the way, but we can’t get depressed with every problem. Even if we lose or draw in Valencia we will continue to believe in our project. This club needs stability in the post-Messi era and with a very complicated financial situation.”##EDITORS_CHOICE##The media are not the only ones that Xavi thinks are negative. He also criticized pessimists among Barcelona fans.”I received messages as if I were at a funeral, as if my father or mother had passed away. None of you congratulated me at the last conference for going to the knockout phase of the Champions League. You are unrealistic, because what will we do if the season ends successfully again? We will and then be in a bad mood and in depression? There is still enough time,” Xavi stated.Barcelona have achieved 10 wins, four draws and two losses in La Liga so far, while in the Champions League group they had four wins and one loss, they are active in both cup competitions in Spain.”Various adjectives and incorrect things are written. Tension is created, and we are in the game for all four trophies. If there are no good results and trophies at the end of the season, then it is up to the coach to leave. But not in December.”Xavi believes that his team, as the current champion of Spain and winner of the Super Cup, deserves the support of the fans and he is glad to have it.”The fans are with the team. They believe in us and know that we will give our best in every game. At the moment we have a little hiatus with results, but the last one did not have any significance. While the defeats against Girona and Real Madrid have their weight”, admitted the 43-year-old Catalan.##NAJAVA_MECA_7745170##It was written that not everyone in the management of Barcelona is on the same wavelength with the coach, but he claims that this is not the case.”I feel the support that gives me the strength to believe in our project even more. There are also my members of the professional staff, who would never betray me. Maybe someone is disappointed at the moment and angry, but we can progress only by working. And the people at the club believe in our work”.Xavi compared this situation to similar ones in his playing days, when he also had a lot of responsibility as a long-time captain.”Now as a coach, it’s more difficult for me. I’m the one who has to drive the car, but I prefer to be criticized, than my players. I give even more of myself under criticism, I don’t stop. I didn’t think about leaving, on the contrary, I’m ready to dedicate myself even more and take on greater responsibility. I don’t want to fail, especially not with the club of my life,” Xavi concluded.And as for visiting Valencia…”We characterized the game as a final because we need points. We are not where we would like to be in the championship. The defeats against Real and Girona had their impact, so tomorrow we have a very important game against a tough rival. Baraja is doing a great job in Valencia. They made a step forward, they are especially tricky at their own field. That’s why we approach this game as a final,” Xavi explained.Xavi has visited Mestalla twice as a manager, winning both times. pic.twitter.com/c9DZkhBPlc— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) December 15, 2023
