Xavi: 'The next two matches will decide Barca's season'

Spain coach Xavi admits Barca is about to enter an important week that could decide their ambitions to win La Liga and the King's Cup.

In La Liga, Barca is currently fourth with 41 points, equal with Bilbao, seven and eight points behind Real and Girona respectively. Today, the defending champion will visit Real Betis in round 21 of La Liga, then continue to travel to Bilbao's field to play in the quarter-finals of the King's Cup on January 24.

"These next matches will decide the season, so we need good results against Betis and Bilbao," Xavi said on January 20 at a press conference before round 21 of La Liga. "Bilbao is an unwanted draw in the King's Cup, but we will compete. First of all, Barca must focus on the match against Betis. Everything at Barca will be decided in the next few days. It's always like that."

Coach Xavi instructs Barca players at Joan Gamper training ground on January 20. Photo: fcbarcelona.com — Coach Xavi instructs Barca players at Joan Gamper training ground on January 20. Photo: *fcbarcelona.com*

Xavi is confident he can close the eight-point gap to the top of the table and defend the La Liga title. "We will go into the second half of the season with optimism," said the Spanish coach. "It's not easy, it's really difficult because of the big gap between us and Real and Girona. But closing that gap to win the title is possible, and we will try."

Last week, ESPN reported that many Barca players questioned Xavi’s approach to games and decision-making, and were upset with the Spaniard’s coaching methods. The conflict reportedly arose from a 3-2 win over Almeria in December 2023, when Xavi criticized the team for lacking spirit, desire and focus.

When asked about this rumor, Xavi replied: "The day the players no longer support me, I will pack my things and leave. When someone tells me I have a problem, I will leave."

The 43-year-old coach is also under pressure professionally, as Barca has declined in La Liga, lost 1-4 to Real in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia and won unconvincingly against third-tier club Unionistas de Salamanca in the Copa del Rey round of 16. But Xavi believes Barca are still confident in their quest to win the remaining titles, including La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League - where they will meet Serie A champions Napoli in the round of 16.

Xavi confirmed that Joao Cancelo has not recovered from a knee injury and will be absent again today. The Spain coach left open the possibility of giving a chance to 16-year-old defender Pau Cubarsi - who played 70 minutes and provided an assist in the midweek win over Unionistas.

Hong Duy

Source link