Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said the club is still very much in contention to win titles, despite their El Clasico loss to Madrid at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
They also drew with Inter in the Champions League a result which put them at the verge of exiting from the competition.
“I have to be honest with Barcelona’s fans, with the club,” Xavi told the press conference prior to the home duel against Villarreal on Thursday.
“I think we have built a team to win titles. I continue having all the excitement in the world despite the fact that this week there has been a lot of criticism.
“Everyone is encouraging me. I have a cell phone that looks like a relative has died. If I don’t make it, there will be consequences, but I am calm. I think we have the squad to win titles. If we don’t win them, another coach will come in and try.”
Xavi went on to hail Real Madrid’s backline and explain that their solid defence was the main reason Barcelona struggled to create in the Clasico.
“There is an opponent that defends very well,” Xavi added.
“Real Madrid defend very well in a low block. They are at ease like that. They didn’t leave us spaces and, even so, we had chances to have a better result.
“We didn’t have as many chances as usual because they are a great team. We weren’t as comfortable as other days because Madrid defended very well.
“There is always an opponent that makes things difficult for you. We didn’t attack as we normally do.”
Asked if he is concerned about Barcelona’s recent results, Xavi made clear that he is willing to help his team bounce back, stating that nothing is over yet.
“The team’s situation is what it is,” Xavi noted.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 20: Xavi Hernandez, Head Coach of FC Barcelona reacts on the sidelines with Gerard Pique of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at Camp Nou on November 20, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)