Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez has reportedly aimed subtle dig at critics following his side’s advancement into the quarter final of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in four years.
Barca defeated Napoli 3-1 on Tuesday to complete a 4-2 aggregate victory, securing their place in the final eight. At the Olympic Stadium, Fermin Lopez, Joao Cancelo, and Robert Lewandowski scored goals to help Barcelona extend their winning streak to nine games.
After struggling recently in the Champions League, the Blaugrana club made significant progress to reach the quarterfinals. They had failed to advance past the group stage in each of the last two seasons after they were defeated by Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 in 2021.
According to The Mirror, Xavi, who declared earlier this year that he will leave the club at the end of the campaign, spoke following the victory over Napoli.
What Did Xavi Say About His Critics?
“People didn’t believe me; [they said] I was going to lose the dressing room. We have received unfair criticism. There has been too much pressure on the players: ultimatums, life or death [games].
“I even read that we were the joke of the Champions League. And now what?” Since Xavi confirmed he will be stepping down in the summer, Barcelona have not lost.
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“They have won five and drew two of their seven La Liga matches in that period and will have one eye on winning the title for the second successive year, despite being eight points behind leaders Real Madrid.
“We are playing better than last year,” he added. “We understand certain things better. Despite results, what this team is doing deserves a lot of credit. It’s a moment to be proud and value what we have done.”
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