Xavi issues apology as pressure mounts on Barca boss after Real Madrid mauling

15 January 2024 , 08:15

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Xavi held his hands up after Barcelona's heavy defeat

Xavi apologised to Barcelona's fans after they were hammered 4-1 by Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup.

The Catalans found themselves two down within the opening 10 minutes and ended up losing by three as Vinicius Jr bagged a treble. Ronald Araujo was dismissed with Robert Lewandowski grabbing a consolation as Barcelona were outplayed by their rivals.

Xavi confessed his side struggled to cope with Madrid's pace on the counter and held his hands up after what was a damaging defeat. Nevertheless, despite his apology to the fans, he maintained that the Catalans would return.

He told Movistar: “Disappointed, sad. We had a lot of hope, a lot of enthusiasm and we had the worst game of all. We started very badly, we were able to get one back but the 3-1 score made things difficult for us. Madrid have done us a lot of damage on the counter, we have not stopped those counters, and today we have to live the bitter side of football.

“I apologise to the fans because it has been difficult for us to compete. We have not been comfortable at any time, we have been dominated. I apologise to the fans because we have shown a poor display. I have lived through very tough defeats and we have recovered. Barça will return.”

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Barcelona skipper Sergi Roberto added: "Right now we are angry about the defeat, against Real Madrid it always hurts and I think those two goals in ten minutes were the game. We knew that with a goal we were in the game again, but it wasn't to be. I'm sure we'll get out of this. Now it's time to be self-critical and learn from our mistakes."

Xavi is into his second full season at the helm having claimed the La Liga title last term. They are struggling to mount a meaningful defence however and languish in fourth - some eight points off the league leaders Girona, whom they lost to 4-2 last month.

Barcelona were outclassed by their rivals

Real have already claimed victory in the season's other Clasico with Jude Bellingham bagging a last-minute winner. Xavi could still end the year with silverware as Barcelona remain in the hunt for the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, with Porto their last 16 opponents.

Spanish outlet AS report that, whilst there has been a succession of poor results, there is no danger of Xavi being sacked as the club seek a period of stability.

Samuel Meade