Xavi Explains How He Plans To Correct Barcelona’s Mistakes. Barcelona is in a state of distress after being booted from the Champions League and losing to Real Madrid in five days. It puts them three points behind Los Blancos, but more importantly, it raises significant doubts about their capacity to compete against bigger teams.
Sergio Busquets, who was substituted after an hour, was one of the most criticized players, but Xavi Hernandez went over and beyond to defend his captain in the news conference before the game on Thursday versus Villarreal at Camp Nou.
Xavi was questioned about the team’s performance against Real Madrid in an interview with Marca.
“I don’t think it’s a mental issue. We had them there [in their box]. We had the opportunity to equalise and make it 2-2. Also at 1-1 before the break. Madrid are a great team. It is the current champion of Europe and the League. I don’t think it’s a mental issue. The team showed face right until the end.”
It was also brought up to him that Barcelona appeared weak on the break and that he had attributed that to mistakes in both games against Inter and Real Madrid when they had allowed a combined six goals.
“They are errors of the whole team, tactical things that we can adjust. We have to be more aggressive. To position ourselves better after losing the ball. Make more tactical fouls. There are many situations where we can improve.”
Since he has been so deeply ingrained in a particular brand of football, Xavi has thus far been obstinate with his opinions. Instead of changing the concepts themselves, he seems eager to improve how they are carried out.