Laporta supports Xavi despite Champions League disappointment
Xavi Hernández, Joan Laporta
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Xavi continues to enjoy the full confidence of the bosses at FC Barcelona.
No doubts about the coach: despite the poor performance in the Champions League, Xavi continues to have the backing of Barça President Joan Laporta.
After Wednesday’s 3-3 draw with Inter, FC Barcelona are in danger of failing to qualify for the knockout stages of the premier class for the second consecutive season. The Nerazzurri only need a win against Viktoria Plzen or Bayern Munich – the Catalans would be relegated to the Europa League.
But despite criticizing Xavi for his side’s failure in European competitions, Barca boss Laporta has urged fans to have faith in the 42-year-old coach.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Clasico against Real Madrid, Laporta said: “I want to tell the fans to keep believing in us. We have a very good team that has to make us happy. They [die Fans] We have to support Xavi and we will give him that support.”
“Xavi has shown that he is a man who knows the club and the system perfectly, apart from being an excellent person. Things will get better and he will bring us a lot of success.”
“We always talk to each other. I have a habit of talking to him after the game. [Nach dem Spiel] on Wednesday I saw him sad and hurt. Xavi has a virtue that nobody I know has – he always sees the bright side. It’s something I’ve always liked.”
“I told him to look ahead, not think about the Champions League and focus on La Liga.
Much has been said about the financial implications of the Champions League failure after the club sold large chunks of their fortune to fund summer expenses. However, Laporta emphasized that he is calm in this regard and that the club’s finances are in good hands.
“It will have an impact, but not of 30 or 35 million euros,” said Laporta. “We must continue to find new sponsors and remain competitive in Europe, which also generates income.”
Laporta admitted he was surprised by Barcelona’s troubles given the sizeable summer investments, but stressed that fans need to be patient.
“I didn’t expect that we would be at this point,” said Laporta. “The technical staff and the coach have done everything to be competitive. The main goal is La Liga because the [CL-]Group stage is very complicated now – but I’d rather speak when it’s over.”
Barcelona and Real Madrid are tied at the top of the table on 22 points going into the weekend’s clash, both teams unbeaten after eight games.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com/de as Laporta supports Xavi despite Champions League disappointment released.