FC Barcelona manager Xavi said many of their players have set themselves free from unfair criticism with their win over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Bitter rivals Real Madrid and FC Barcelona came head to head in the Spanish Super Cup final, and it was the Catalan outfit who emerged victorious. Xavi and co. lifted the Spanish Super Cup after defeating Real Madrid 3-1.
Barcelona was the better side in the Spanish Super Cup final and deservingly won the trophy. Young Spanish midfielder Gavi sent Barcelona ahead in the 33rd minute of the match before Robert Lewandowski made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time.
Pedri then scored in the 69th minute as Barcelona established a three-goal buffer. Real Madrid would pull back one in the 90+3rd minute as Karim Benzema scored a consolatory goal for the Los Blancos.
Xavi hopes Barcelona’s Spanish Super Cup win is the start of a new positive dynamic
Speaking after the match, Xavi said his squad had received unfair criticism, and that with their win over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, many have set themselves free from it.
“This squad has received a lot of unfair criticism, and today many players have set themselves free,” Xavi said. “They will work more calmly.“
Xavi also acknowledged the pressure Barcelona players feel when things do not go well. He said: “I’ve been here for so many years and I know how much players suffer when things don’t go well. Today is the start of a new positive dynamic.”
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Super Cup win also means Xavi has finally won his first trophy as the Catalan outfit’s manager.
Xavi will also be eying to guide Barcelona to the La Liga 22/23 season title. They currently sit atop the La Liga points table with 41 points from 16 matches. Barcelona enjoy a three-point lead over Real Madrid, who sit second in the points table with 38 points from 16 matches.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti also admitted that Barcelona was the better side in the Spanish Super Cup final. However, Carlo Ancelotti rubbished suggestions that Barcelona inflicted a ‘sporting humiliation’ on Real Madrid with their performance and win in the Super Cup final.
