Recap of Xavi’s post conference ahead of the match against Napoli.
In a post-match analysis, Barcelona’s head coach Xavi Hernandez expressed a mix of satisfaction and frustration following his team’s performance in the Champions League encounter against Napoli. The Catalan giants showcased glimpses of their potential but ultimately fell short of securing a decisive victory.
“We played well and created several chances. We deserved more,” Xavi remarked, reflecting on the missed opportunities that could have tilted the game in Barcelona’s favor. Despite dominating possession and exhibiting prowess both defensively and offensively, the Blaugrana failed to capitalize on their superiority.
Xavi acknowledged his team’s commendable effort, stating, “We played very well. With and without the ball, we were well-positioned in defense.” However, he lamented their inability to maintain control after taking the lead, conceding a goal against the run of play.
“It has been the case for the whole season, we haven’t been effective,” Xavi admitted, pointing out a recurring issue that has plagued Barcelona’s campaign. While praising individual performances, particularly highlighting the contributions of rising stars like Pedri and the prolific goal-scoring form of Lewandowski, he emphasized the collective responsibility to convert opportunities into tangible results.
“We’re rushing some phases of the game. We lack maturity. But in general, we did well,” Xavi remarked, pinpointing areas for improvement while acknowledging his team’s overall solid performance.
Despite the setback, Xavi remained optimistic about Barcelona’s prospects in the return leg. “If we play like this in the second leg, we should be able to go through,” he asserted, confident in his team’s ability to rectify their mistakes and secure a favorable outcome.
Looking ahead, Xavi emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and executing their game plan effectively. “Our goal is to reach the quarter-finals,” he affirmed, underlining Barcelona’s ambition in the prestigious competition.
As the discussion turned to individual players, Xavi praised the contributions of Christensen and Lewandowski, highlighting their performances on the field. He also expressed longing for the iconic Camp Nou stadium, acknowledging its significance in shaping the atmosphere of crucial matches.
Xavi reiterated his belief in Barcelona’s potential while acknowledging the need for improvement. “We executed our plan well,” he remarked, signaling his confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back stronger in the challenges that lie ahead.
