Xavi is emphasizing the importance of professionalism as Barcelona approaches the end of LaLiga, where they are close to winning
Xavi cautioned Barcelona not to become complacent and assume that they have won the La Liga title despite their impressive 15-point lead over Real Madrid, which they could extend further by beating Girona.
The team’s recent crushing 4-0 defeat by Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final serves as a reminder that they must focus and perform consistently to secure the league title.
Barcelona were leading the La Liga table by 12 points prior to the weekend’s fixtures. Real Madrid’s unexpected 3-2 loss to Villarreal on Saturday has given Barcelona a chance to extend their lead.
It has never been done in the history of La Liga for a team to overturn such a large deficit at this stage of the season, hence Barcelona’s position is considered very safe.
Xavi emphasized that it’s important not to be complacent about their lead, as he recognizes that his young team may not have the level of experience needed to maintain their advantage.
Xavi emphasizes the importance of the remaining games
“[The title] wouldn’t be considered won, there would still be 10 [games] left,” Xavi bluntly said in his pre-match press conference.
“When the league is won, we’ll celebrate it. We have to win it. Tomorrow’s game is a very good test for us after the elimination in the Copa.
“We depend on ourselves. Fifteen points would be a spectacular difference. It wouldn’t be all done, but it would be a big difference, and winning the league would be extraordinary.”
Barca’s season has been a mixed bag, with a win in the Supercopa de Espana but elimination from the Champions League at the group stage, followed by elimination from the Copa del Rey at the hands of Madrid. Manchester United knocked them out of the Europa League.
“Winning La Liga. Winning La Liga is the focus“
Asked what incentives Barca players have, Xavi said: “Winning La Liga. Winning La Liga is the focus.
“We have won five Champions Leagues. and winning the Champions League is required of us, but winning La Liga gives us stability.
“Barca are 12 points ahead and that means that we do things well. We value what we are doing. It’s amazing, and gets us closer to winning La Liga, which for us would be extraordinary.”
Xavi pointed out that Barcelona are still in the early stages of a new era and should not be judged too harshly in other competitions.
“We need time. We won the Supercopa, we are on track in La Liga. In Europe, we have not competed well.
“We’ve signed players, there are youngsters [in the squad]… when we have been playing together for two or three years, we will not be under construction.
“We’ve won a title and we’re on our way to another.”
