Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández vigorously defended his position on Wednesday, asserting that he would resign as head coach if he sensed a lack of support from the players.
The previous day, ESPN reported that Xavi is facing challenges in maintaining the confidence of certain members of the first-team squad, a situation that predates the team’s 4-1 loss to Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa final on Sunday.
“The day the players aren’t with me, I will pack my bags and go home,” Xavi told a news conference ahead of Thursday’s Copa del Rey round-of-16 tie against third-tier side Unionistas de Salamanca.
“We’re bruised [after the Madrid loss], that’s true. We have to start again with a clean slate, but the players believe in what we are doing.”
Barcelona remains active in three competitions, with La Liga showing them eight points behind leaders Girona and a Champions League round of 16 clash against Napoli looming next month.
Xavi, who guided Barcelona to their first league title since 2019 last year, asserted that he has consistently met the club’s objectives since taking charge in 2021. He hinted at the possibility of stepping aside if they fail to secure any silverware this season.
“In my first season, the objective was to finish in the top four; we came second,” he added. “Last year, it was to win La Liga; we won it. This year, it is to win a trophy.
“We have lost the Supercopa and I apologised for the manner of the performance, but we still have three trophies to play for. If we don’t meet objectives, I will be the first to go.
“Madrid were in our position last year and they turned things around and won the Copa. When I was in Qatar and Barça came to appoint me, they told me the club was in one of the worst moments in its history. We are revitalising [the club].
“We are closer to success than defeat. I understand the criticism; I know where I am, but I have the same desire as day one. I will never be a problem for Barça. The moment they say I am a problem, I will be gone.
“Above all, I am a fan. I love this club. I will never be a problem for the president [Joan Laporta], Deco, the players… Everyone knows that.”
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola, who managed Barça between 2008 and 2012, has also called for patience to be shown in Xavi.
Barça sporting director Deco said it makes “no sense” to question Xavi’s future after Sunday’s Clásico setback, while Laporta was present at training on Wednesday to reaffirm his belief in the coach and his players.
“I was grateful for Pep’s comments,” Xavi said. “I sent him a message afterwards. He knows what it is like to be at a club of this size.
“It’s time to be united. That’s why I appreciated the president’s visit to training. We’re stronger united, as the club’s anthem says. The president surpasses me in optimism. He has faith and confidence in the staff and the players.”
Barcelona will be missing eight key first-team players for their upcoming match against Unionistas. The absence of Marc-André ter Stegen, João Cancelo, Iñigo Martínez, Marcos Alonso, Gavi, and Raphinha is due to injuries, while Ronald Araújo and Lamine Yamal are both suspended.
Xavi expressed the significant impact of losing midfielder Gavi, who was sidelined for the season in November after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament while on international duty with Spain.
“There is only one Gavi in the world,” the Barça boss said. “It is difficult to replace a player like that. We miss him. We lack his leadership and his heart.
“The injury to Gavi is a dagger to the heart. He is the soul of the team. That’s the reality. The loss of Ter Stegen as well, one of the captains… They are important players.
“Cancelo and Raphinha are now injured as well. But that is not an excuse, it’s the reality. The club’s financial situation is the reality. Not being able to sign players is the reality. But it’s no problem. We will keep fighting.”