Barcelona’s Copa del Rey Exit Raises Concerns for Xavi Hernandez
FC Barcelona, led by coach Xavi Hernandez, faced a significant setback as they were eliminated from the Copa del Rey in a thrilling encounter against Athletic Bilbao. The 4-2 defeat in the quarter-final has ignited discussions about Xavi’s future at the helm of the club.
Xavi Proud Despite Elimination
Despite the defeat, Xavi expressed pride in his team’s performance, acknowledging the challenge posed by Athletic Bilbao. The brothers Inaki and Nico Williams played pivotal roles in securing Athletic Bilbao’s victory in extra time.
“We have competed very well against a great team that is very strong at home. I already said that the draw had not been good. They are very intense, it’s very difficult. We have to rebuild ourselves and compete in La Liga and the Champions League. We can be proud to have competed until the end,” Xavi stated post-match.
Pressure Mounts on Xavi
The loss in the Copa del Rey adds to the pressure on Xavi, who has faced challenges in steering Barcelona through a stuttering season. Currently sitting third in the LaLiga standings, Barcelona trails leaders Girona by eight points and is seven points behind second-placed Real Madrid.
“If at the end of the season we are not at a competitive level… I will have to leave,” Xavi admitted, recognizing the high expectations at Barcelona. “Here at Barca, you need to win titles or you will be at risk.”
Athletic Bilbao’s Triumph
Athletic Bilbao set the tone early with Gorka Guruzeta scoring within the first minute. Despite Barcelona’s turnaround with goals from Robert Lewandowski and young talent Lamine Yamal, Athletic Bilbao persisted. Oihan Sancet’s goal in the second half took the game to extra time, ultimately leading to Inaki and Nico Williams securing the victory.
Xavi’s Future Hangs in the Balance
As Xavi contemplates the future, the uncertainty surrounding his position as the head coach looms large. The demand for success at Barcelona intensifies, and Xavi acknowledges the need for competitive performance in La Liga and the Champions League to secure his tenure.
In conclusion, Barcelona’s Copa del Rey exit raises questions about Xavi’s ability to navigate the team through challenging times. The upcoming matches in La Liga and the Champions League will be crucial for Xavi to prove the team’s competitive prowess and secure his place at the helm of the iconic club.
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