Saudi Arabia coach Xavi admitted that Barca had a bad start and were inferior to Real in every aspect when they lost 1-4 in the Spanish Super Cup final.
"This is football and today we suffered the pain of this sport," Xavi said after the match. "It's a shame. We had so many hopes for the final and then we had our worst performance. We never felt comfortable. Real caused a lot of problems with counter-attacks and transitions. We couldn't compete today."
Coach Xavi leaves the podium after losing 1-4 to Real in the Spanish Super Cup final at Al Awwal Stadium, Riyadh on January 14. Photo: AFP
At Al Awwal Stadium, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the evening of January 14, Real exploded and won 4-1 thanks to a hat-trick by Vinicius and a goal by Rodrygo. Meanwhile, Barca's only goal was scored by Robert Lewandowski with a volley from outside the box in the 33rd minute. Barca also played with one less player when center-back Ronald Araujo swept his foot into Vinicius' shin in the 71st minute and received a second yellow card.
Xavi admitted Barca started poorly and had a chance to come back when Lewandowski reduced the gap, but Vinicius' penalty to make it 3-1 "killed" the match. The Spanish coach was ready to accept criticism and apologise to the fans.
"We didn't show the level we needed in the final, especially against Real," Xavi added. "Today we were at our worst possible level and lost a title. It's a tough defeat, but I believe Barca will get up quickly and compete again in the best possible way."
In La Liga, Barca are also seven points behind Real, but Xavi is confident that he still has the support of the board and is not worried about being sacked. The 43-year-old coach stressed that Barca can still have a successful season as they still have a chance to win La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey. "Today is a setback and a big shock for the team, but this is sport and the project continues. I have been in these situations many times," he said.
Barca centre-back Kounde failed to catch up with Vinicius as the Real striker broke free to open the scoring in a 4-1 win in the Spanish Super Cup final. Photo: AS
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti wants winning the Spanish Super Cup to be a boost for Real to aim for the remaining titles. The Italian coach also believes that the 4-1 scoreline does not reflect the true situation of the match. "Barca handled the ball well and it was difficult for us to get it back. If people think Real will win easily, they are wrong," he said.
With the victory in Saudi Arabia on the evening of January 14, Ancelotti became the second most successful coach in Real's history with 11 titles, equal to Zinedine Zidane and only three titles behind the late legend Miguel Munoz. Ancelotti won 11 titles in 264 matches leading Real, including two Champions Leagues, two Club World Cups, two European Super Cups, two King's Cups, two Spanish Super Cups and one La Liga.
"The best thing is to enjoy this moment and focus on what's coming," said the 64-year-old coach. "Keep working hard because I like the job and the atmosphere here. I have received very important help from the coaching staff and the players, they show seriousness and professionalism. The club supports me and gives me love. I'm on cloud nine, but I can also fall and come back to the ground."
Hong Duy
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