Sports

Barcelona coach Xavi ‘annoyed’ after Barcelona drop points against Cadiz


Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez was annoyed with his team’s lack of determination as their slim LaLiga title hopes were dashed on Monday with a Defeat 1-0 to Cadiz at Camp Nou.

Lucas Perez scored the only goal of the game after 48 minutes to silence the home crowd and 15 points ahead of leaders Barca Real Madridwho came from behind to win at Seville on Sunday, there are only seven games left to play.

A guide for viewers on ESPN+: La Liga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more

Xavi said he is furious with the nature of the Cadiz loss and that his players are “angry” following a second defeat at Camp Nou in the space of four days after being knocked out of the Europa League by Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday.

“We are angry, players first, because we have missed a golden opportunity to separate ourselves from those in the battle for Champions League spots and also to [keep] fighting for LaLiga, where we practically said goodbye until now,” Xavi admitted in a press conference.

“I’m upset and we have to reflect on ourselves, first of all, as a coach. We’re playing to be in the Champions League, that’s why I’m angry. Lack of desire and determination It’s been a really bad week and we have to turn it around ASAP.

“The players are very upset. I tried to cheer them up after the game, but we have to play better. We have to look at what we did wrong in defense and attack. On Thursday , we have another final with Real Sociedad. “

Monday’s loss ended Barca’s seven-match winning streak in La Liga and 15 unbeaten runs in the Spanish top flight. It was only their second loss in the league under Xavi, who has led the team from ninth to second since replace Ronald Koeman earlier this season.

“We are not in a bad situation,” the coach added. “Things have improved since we took over in November, but we have to keep improving.

“We have to look into our eyes and have more hunger because we cannot lose to Cadiz at home. This is Barca and we have to do more. We have improved, but we want to. do more and fight for titles.”

The top four teams in Spain qualify for the Champions League and Barca are currently second, sharing 60 points with Sevilla and Atlético Madrid, albeit with a game in hand. Under them, Real Betis got 57 points and Real Sociedad 55.

“To be in the Champions League next season, which is our main goal, we have to improve and play with more motivation,” Xavi said. “We have seven finals left and we have to grit our teeth because so much is at stake.

“That’s not an attitude [problem], the players want it. It’s a question of trust and dedication to taking advantage of loopholes. Cadiz defended like it was their last game of the whole game and we had to balance that. “

Monday’s match was played in an eerie atmosphere at the Camp Nou. After about 30,000 Frankfurt fans won the last entry on Thursdaycaused the club to change its ticketing policy, some fans decided to stay away in protest.

The singing behind one of the goals was omitted, with the group of fans in charge of the pre-match explanation they would boycott because they felt “humiliating” to feel like an away on their own field first. The German team. .

Other fans, meanwhile, protested outside the Camp Nou before the game. About 100 supporters gathered to rally against President Joan Laporta and call for his resignation.



Source link

newsofmax

News of max: Update the world's latest breaking news online of the day, breaking news, politics, society today, international mainstream news .Updated news 24/7: Entertainment, Sports...at the World everyday world. Hot news, images, video clips that are updated quickly and reliably

Related Articles

Back to top button
Immediate Matrix Immediate Maximum