Xavi does not fear for his job as head coach of Barcelona. He acknowledges that Tuesday's match with FC Porto could be crucial. It is clear that there is pressure on Barcelona.
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Barcelona is fourth in LaLiga and is four points behind league leader Real Madrid, whom they recently lost to. In the Champions League, Xavi's team was defeated by Shakhtar Donetsk and they drew against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday. There have been complaints for some time about the team's play and the players' attitudes. Barcelona views the match with FC Porto as a possible turning point. The Spaniards can qualify for the next round of the Champions League.
'There is a connection between my plan and what the players are showing. We lack continuity, like in the first sixty minutes of the game against Real Madrid. People are happy with the plan and there is no problem,' Xavi said on Monday at the press moment. 'Yes, I feel supported by the club in every way. I speak daily with the person in charge, the president, and I have full confidence. I also feel the trust from sporting director Deco. There is a friendship, they know how we work.'
'We must go for the win from the first minute, and that's what is lacking. We only react when there is urgency, like in the last minutes. We need to compete, and tomorrow can be a turning point. We have failed in high pressing, in intensity, in mentality... There are many things. But I am convinced that we will play well again and get results. Otherwise, I would not be here.'
João Cancelo also trusts in Barcelona's turnaround. 'In football, there are times when we are good and less good. We must always try to do better than the last game. We have a very young team with a lot of quality. Important players like Frenkie de Jong have returned.'
'The beauty of football is that you quickly get the chance to play a good game and gain confidence. The criticism from the press does not personally affect me because I am experienced, but we have very young players. We must know how to deal with pressure because only then can we achieve great things.'
Updated: 03:04, 27 Nov 2023
