Xavi Hernandez is concerned about the performance of the team he once graced as a player and said on Saturday they must reset to create a new Barcelona.
Barca’s 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich on Wednesday saw them exit the Champions League in the group stage for the first time in nearly two decades and are 16 points behind leader Real Madrid in LaLiga.
Xavi told a news conference that he was surprised to find a “discouraged” locker room and believes the problem is “more psychological” than football.
“There is more quality here than it seems,” he said.
“We need a general reset. I have a feeling that defeat is installed and it can’t be like that. We need to demand more dedication, be more demanding, be bolder, work more. We have to create a new Barca.”
Barcelona are gearing up for a visit to midfield Osasuna on Sunday, as their former midfielder tries to get the Catalan club’s season back on track.
“I’m concerned,” Xavi added. “We have no choice but to keep working hard, licking our wounds and getting back on track.”
“Against Bayern I saw a Barcelona that is small (of stature) and we have to accept that. We are working to get Barca back to where we need to be.”
After losing 1-0 at home to Real Betis last weekend, Barca are seventh in La Liga, six points away from the Champions League places.
They will miss at least seven key players from Osasuna due to injury – Sergi Roberto, Jordi Alba, Pedri, Ansu Fati, Martin Braithwaite, Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero – and will again have to rely on young and inexperienced players.
“We have to think of the worst-case scenario and make sure that doesn’t happen,” said Xavi. “We have to stay positive and know that the club is going through a complicated situation in sporting and economic terms.”
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