Xavi and the FC Barcelona hierarchy were expecting the team to turn around their season with a victorious Spanish Super Cup campaign. The team’s chances looked favorable going into this tie, as Xavi’s men had won their last three games prior to the final.
However, the final itself could not have turned out any worse for the Catalans as they were defeated 4-1 by their traditional rivals, Real Madrid.
With this defeat and the team’s overall inconsistent form this season, criticism is going to increase substantially in the coming weeks. However, within the club, Xavi continues to enjoy the confidence of Laporta and the top Barcelona brass even after the crushing defeat to Real Madrid, according to SPORT.
The report mentions that Laporta encouraged Xavi as soon as the match had finished, and also on the plane when traveling back to Barcelona, even though the atmosphere, in general, was one of sadness and grief.
Xavi had extended his Barcelona contract last season after winning the same title, mostly because he felt Laporta’s trust in himself. This has not changed even now, and despite the change in opinion of some board members about Xavi’s ability to guide the club to success, Laporta, Deco, and Yuste all retain their confidence in the former midfielder.
All three individuals believe that the club should not take any decision in panic, and Xavi’s performance should be assessed only at the end of the season. Barcelona are alive in three major competitions, and can still end the season with an important piece of silverware.
Meanwhile, Xavi, though hurt by the last loss, is also confident that he can turn the team’s fortunes around in the coming days. He is far from happy with the way his team played in the final but is sure he can work with his players to change the direction of the team and fight for the remaining titles.
