"Defensive mistakes are killing us this season"

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez admitted on Sunday after the 3-3 draw at the Olimpic Lluis Companys Stadium against Granada that "mistakes" in defence "are killing" the team this season.

"Today we lost two points because of defensive mistakes. In attack we have been good and we have created chances. Defensive mistakes are killing us this season," summed up the Egarvian coach from the press room at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. 

Xavi acknowledged that Granada played "a game of duels", in which "the centre-backs pressed the midfielders", and that made it difficult for them to "get into rhythm" with the ball, especially because today Barcelona didn't have strikers who could run at the back of the opposition defence.

"The second goal is amazing, you can't explain it. It's a summary of the season. You score three goals and concede three. It's very difficult to compete and win important things like that. Defensively we have to improve a lot. We've come from two good games and we've been working during the week, especially in defence," he added.

"This is sport. They matched us. To be honest, I think defensive mistakes kill us. The example is the second goal, this is the summary," he added.

 

February 11, 2024

After this draw, which leaves Barcelona ten points behind leaders Real Madrid at the end of La Liga's 24th matchday, Xavi assured that "the objective is not to throw in the towel" and, although he does not take "La Liga for granted", "it is difficult" after having taken "a step backwards" in the competition.

Xavi explained that Ronald Araujo, who came on as a substitute on Sunday, is physically well, but he opted to field Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez in the back four to give the Uruguayan a rest and because "it was a good day to thread passes at the start of the game".

Xavi explained that the dressing room is "pissed off" by the defeat, but he does not feel "neither desperation nor anxiety" about the situation of the Catalan team, but that he is focused on "improving to compete".

On whether it affects playing in Montjuic rather than at the Camp Nou: "It may be that it imposes less. It's not the same playing at the Camp Nou, it's impressive... but I don't think that's the main reason".

Finally, Xavi revealed a conversation with Laporta after the game: "He told me that this is long. It's a disappointment, a big one. It's a home game, we had to win it. To stay in the fight. We are all the same. There are no differences".