If there was any doubt among Barcelona fans that this season is not going well, the 4-1 thrashing in the Super Cup against arch-rivals Real Madrid was rude awakening. The difference between the two clubs (even thou Real doesn’t have a proper striker like Barca) is big, and the difference between Xavi’s 2022 and 2023 teams seems to be even bigger, even thou those are basically the same players. The Catalans’ coach can’t find the right formula this season, and after winning both La Liga and the Spanish Cup last season, they are likely to fail in both in 2024. Xavi: “I believe in my project, in myself, and in my players.” pic.twitter.com/Wlngh3vM9M— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) January 15, 2024 According to the Spanish media, a heavy loss didn’t put Xavi in jeopardy and for now, he is safe as a coach. Former Barca captain is not worried about his job safety, but he wants to make sure that the fans understand that he is not happy about the result. “I am disappointed and sad. This is football and today we have to deal with the painful side of the game. We apologise to the fans, we didn’t compete, but I’ve experienced a lot of defeats with this club. Barca will come back. It is a step back and a big blow for me, the club and the players, but this is sport and the project continues. I have been in these situations many times. We must be self-critical and correct a lot, but I still believe in the project and that we can have a great season. We have to be very self-critical about our performance. There are reasons to believe. We won two trophies last year LaLiga and the Spanish Cup with me as coach. It’s not that long ago. It was tough and I apologise to the fans, but there are arguments in our favour. Last season, there were reasons to say we were entering a new era. Now we will have to put up with the criticism, be self-critical and reset” said Xavi after the game. Vini’s brilliance puts crown back on Royals’ head: Real Madrid trash Barca to win Super CupFor newly appointed sporting director and Xavi’s former teammate Deco, there is no dilemma – the coach is staying. “This question makes no sense. The coach still has the president and the club’s confidence and this defeat does not change anything” said the Brazilian. ##NAJAVA_MECA_7796150##
