Xavi Hernandez apologizes to fans following El Clasico humiliation
Barcelona were humiliated by the hands of Real Madrid, 4-1, in the Spanish Super Cup final where the match was all but over within the first 10 minutes.
With plenty of games to choose from, it was probably the worst performance from the Catalan side this season under Xavi Hernandez. A performance, and result, that those who have followed Barcelona so far during this campaign saw coming.
Having been thoroughly outclassed by their opponents, Xavi was less defiant during his post match press conference.
"There's disappointment and sadness," Xavi said after the game. "We have not been comfortable at any time, we have been dominated. I apologize to the fans because we have shown a poor display. Barça will return."
Xavi: "You can't start a final like that, conceding so many chances... We were very bad in those 10 minutes, and although we later reacted with Lewandowski's goal, the penalty, which it wasn't, was a very hard blow."
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) January 14, 2024
Again, a result like this was not out of the realm of possibility given the fact Xavi has been unable to find a solution for Barcelona's problems. The defense was all over the place in the first two goals, completely flubbing their offside trap and the lack of cohesive pressing doomed them from the start. All issues that Xavi, or a manager worth their weight, should have found a fix for.
If there were criticisms towards Xavi before the match, those criticisms are only going to grow exponentially. While losing is a part of the game, it's how you lose that also matters and the way Barcelona lost is a manner in which they aren't accustomed to, at least domestically.
The fact of the matter is Xavi has been backed in a way his predecessor, Ronald Koeman, was not. Joan Laporta sold off pieces of the club to bring in players Xavi wanted. Players in theory that should have strengthened the team. Those risks paid off last season. They have not so far this season.
The most concerning part is it's mostly the same squad as the league title winning one. One of the only differences, albeit a significant one, is the absence of Sergio Busquets. But even with his departure, it doesn't explain how poor the backline has been and the regression of practically every player on the team.
Next. Real Madrid make easy work of Barcelona in Spanish Super Cup final. Real Madrid make easy work of Barcelona in Spanish Super Cup final. dark
Xavi's words won't mean much if he can't whip his team into shape. A win in the Spanish Super Cup could have served as a stepping point. Instead it's another massive a stumble. Another hole Barcelona have dug themselves into. A hole that Xavi may not be able to guide them out from.