Football
Xavi thinks Barca can still challenge for the La Liga Title Race
Despite the hostility surrounding the club, Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez stated on Saturday that he is confident his players can bounce back and retain their league title.
Despite winning La Liga the previous year, the Catalans are currently in fourth place, eight points behind Girona in the top and seven behind Real Madrid in second.
Sunday’s matchup between Barcelona and Real Betis comes before a difficult trip to Athletic Bilbao for the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.
Xavi’s team has received a lot of flak after Real Madrid crushed Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday.
At a press conference, Xavi stated, “We are optimistic, we know these seven or eight points we can make up.”
“We have the most hope possible and we will try to play our football tomorrow, according to our idea of the game. The second half of the season is still to go.”
Despite the fact that many people in Catalonia and around the club often have a more pessimistic view on life, the coach claimed to be incredibly optimistic.
“I argue that positivity is what’s most lacking,” Xavi went on.
“We are victims, the club, the history, the Catalans…” These difficult games present a chance to me.
“Because I have experienced both significant wins and losses as a player, I am more composed. Barcelona hasn’t always prevailed.
“We acknowledge the amount of pressure placed on us, but oftentimes there is a lack of positivity.”
Xavi acknowledged that his squad needs to strengthen its defense and convert more of its opportunities, but he maintained that he thought the group could win this year.
It all comes down to mindset; I always see the bright side of things. I’m formed that way, therefore I wake up optimistic,” he continued.
“Everything about the club, including Barcelona, isn’t exactly like that.
“This season, we can accomplish our goals and we’ll fight for it; if not, we’ll have tried; failing does not mean not trying.”
On Sunday, Real Madrid will play bottom-of-the-table Almeria while league leaders Girona will visit Sevilla.
