“It will be useful to see the ability of the team to react. We recovered Koundé. I hope those players defending the Barcelona shirt have that spirit. We still have time to recover. It’s Friday. Yesterday, I would not have come here in this mood”. In the interview granted to the official FCB television channel, President Joan Laporta wanted to support his coach and his players, but admits a first failure. If Barça keep pace with their Madrid rivals in the league, the record of only one victory in four Champions League games is a stain. In a press conference, Xavi Hernandez also qualified the performance against Inter Milan, at Camp Nou (3-3) as “shame”.
“I fully understand the disappointment. I know where I am. We failed. I have empathy and I understand the Catalan fans. I’m sad too, what happened the other day is a terrible shame. But we are not going to stop. I came here less than a year ago to turn things around and I’m optimistic. We made good recruitments, I think it is too early to draw conclusions. There’s still the League, the Cup, the Supercup, we’ll see how the Champions League ends… we’ll see.”he explained, this Saturday.
Nothing is right with the “sacred cows”
Because, in the event of a rout on the lawn of its best enemy, Barça would lose its lead in the standings and risk taking a big blow to morale, after this complicated week. However, the Catalan technician assures that the defeat is not linked to a lack of mentality. “With mental bankruptcy, we wouldn’t have equalized twice, in the game. The team was confident until the end and had confidence in themselves. I see the team involved, with soul and courage. The victory did not happen due to various circumstances, it is difficult to explain. We weren’t competitive at the right time. The sensations in Europe compared to last season are much better.Xavi added.
In its defense, Barça still had to do without its new recruit Jules Koundé, back for this Clásico, as well as Ronald Araujo, who will not be able to take part in the event. For the Catalan press, the conclusion is unanimous: the “sacred cows” Gerard Piqué, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets are – in part – responsible and are no longer unanimous. And they could pay the price during the Clásico. “It could be. We’ll see what happens. It’s happened before this season. I don’t even look at these things. It’s all about the captains, but we’re a team. All players are important, not just the starting XI. Football has changed: there are five changes and everyone has to be ready.”assured Xavi.
The Clásico to restart the machine
The Spanish tactician does not overwhelm anyone, at least publicly. To raise their heads and achieve the feat at the Bernabéu, the Blaugrana group intends to rely on the last victory against Real Madrid (4-0). “Yes, of course, this match can be a reference. We were brave and had personality. Madrid are comfortable in a low block and we need to attack better than we did against Inter. We have to attack compactly and be brave. Last year we didn’t arrive at the Bernabeu in a good time. Now we are better in La Liga and we have to take advantage of it.. Answer on Sunday (4:15 p.m.), against the reigning Spanish and European Champion.
