Pep Guardiola even called on the underachievers to “step forward” and offered “unconditional support” to the struggling Barcelona manager, Xavi.
Vinicius Jr.’s hat-trick helped Real Madrid, the Blaugrana’s enduring adversaries, defeat them 4-1 in the Spanish Super Cup final, placing Xavi under suspicion. Guardiola, who won FIFA’s The Best honours for 2023 as The Best Men’s Coach, nonetheless, urged against making snap judgements and reaffirmed his undying support for his former student. In addition, he stressed the necessity for everyone to shoulder responsibility and recommended that the board allow Xavi to play through to the conclusion of the season.
WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID
Speaking to reporters, Guardiola said: “My advice is to keep calm. [Barça] lost a final, but next week there is another game and another competition. Support [the coach and the players] and make the decisions that have to be made at the end of the season.
“I want to send my unconditional support to Xavi and the players. The players have to take a step forward. They have shown the quality they have in the past and there is a long way to go this season.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Guardiola, who led the Catalan club to three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies between 2008 and 2012, insisted that Barcelona should move on quickly from the loss and look ahead to the league and cup fixtures that are lined up.
“There is a tendency in football to throw everything up in the air,” added Guardiola.
“This industry is so difficult. [Barça] have lost a final, OK, congratulations to the opponent and now learn from it. Madrid scored quickly, defended well and were the better team, that’s it.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Xavi, who secured La Liga glory for Barcelona last season, anticipated that there would be criticism after losing silverware to Real Madrid. However, he has been assured that the board will not be taking any decision in haste with sporting director Deco claiming that it makes “no sense” to question the manager’s future and the tactician has full backing of the club.
WHAT NEXT?
Xavi will look to regroup his troops before taking on Unionista de Salamanca, a third-tier side, in the Copa del Rey on Thursday. He will likely field his best players in the cup fixture as the tournament could be the Catalan side’s only shot at a domestic trophy this season since they find themselves eight points behind leaders Girona in La Liga. Meanwhile, in the Champions League, they have been pitted against Serie A champions Napoli in the round of 16.
