Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez explained why his team fell short in their attempt to defend their LALIGA title.
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez congratulated Real Madrid for their LALIGA triumph and stated the reason his team failed to defend the league title.
Xavi led the Blaugrana to their 27th league title last season; however, this term, they slipped considerably behind Real Madrid. Asked about this, Xavi suggested that his team's level did not dip but instead attributed their failings to Los Blanco's meteoric rise in level.
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What Xavi said
With the league title safely in Real Madrid's keep, Barcelona are left with tussling for the second spot with Girona, which will see them qualify for the Supercopa de Espana.
They took a significant step towards that goal over the weekend with a 3-0 mauling of Rayo Vallecano. Following the game, Xavi was asked about Barcelona's season compared to the last campaign, and he said the only difference was Real Madrid's elevated level.
“What changed this season was Real Madrid,” Xavi said, per GSFN.
“They had a historic season. We’re playing against one of the best teams, the Champions League finalists. We’re competing against a super team. Congratulations to Real Madrid on winning La Liga.”
Meanwhile, as Barcelona faces a potential managerial change, speculation is mounting about who might replace Xavi Hernandez if the current manager is eventually sacked. Among the candidates, an unexpected name has emerged: Jonatan Giraldez, Barcelona Femeni’s head coach.
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