Barcelona’s Xavi cites Zinedine Zidane to prove how winning is La Liga is more important than winning Champions League
Xavi seemingly took a dig at Zidane's La Liga record.
Follow Us
Barcelona manager Xavi said winning La Liga is the most important thing for the club. Barcelona were embarrassed by arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey, losing 4-0 at the Camp Nou.
The Barca boss revealed that despite the loss, the league was the priority. “If you ask any coach, winning La Liga is the objective. Zidane used to say it after winning the Champions League, that the objective was La Liga.” Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane won 3 Champions Leagues in a row during his first stint at Los Blancos. Meanwhile, Xavi has won only one knockout game during his time as Barcelona manager.
However, Xavi didn’t let his team get away with the dismal performance, saying there were “no excuses.” “We’re hurt today, yes. It will be hard to sleep, more so as the big Barca fan that I am. I told the players this could happen. We had chances but went in at 1-0. It’s a shame because we competed well in the first half, which was our moment. In the second, Madrid was better. Sincerely, they were better physically. They pressed us high. There are no excuses.”
The former Barcelona midfield maestro added that winning La Liga and the Super Cup would salvage the season and urged his team to be on top form for “11 finals.” “If we win La Liga and the Super Cup, it’s a good season. There are 11 finals left, and we have to keep competing.”
In case you missed it: Why did Shakira leave Barcelona for Miami along with kids?
Xavi speaks to the media ahead of Girona clash
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez spoke in a pre-match press conference ahead of their La Liga game against Girona. The Spaniard discussed team selection, injuries, and the loss against Real Madrid.
Xavi answered questions regarding the disastrous loss to Real Madrid. “We have analyzed what happened on Wednesday. They are specific errors. But we have already turned the page,” he said.
Journalists also quizzed the Spaniard on Sergio Busquets, who did not have his best game in the Clasico. Xavi gave his opinion on the midfielder’s leadership skills. “Busquets are very important, even beyond the game, as a captain. I want him to continue, but it’s his decision,” he said. Barcelona faces Girona on Monday night, hoping to extend their lead at the top of La Liga to 15 points after Real Madrid’s loss to Villareal.
Related News:
“Written in the stars,” Pep Guardiola reveals future manager of Manchester City
WATCH: Eden Hazard’s son scores stunning goal for Real Madrid in Youth Cup
Stay Updated!
Arpan Ghosh
(1403 Articles Published)