Xavi's frustration: "We don't finish the games"

Xavi Hernández felt “frustrated and upset” after the 1-1 at Mestalla, where Barcelona had 16 shots and 64% of the possession. Aware of the importance of the match, which he himself had pointed out as a “final”, the Barça coach reiterated that his team's problem was “effectiveness”. “We have made differences in many moments and the summary of the season is this: we did not finish the games,” he analyzed.

“We cannot forgive like this. We had the game under control for 0-2 and we were able to finish. In defense there are individual errors, lack of concentration,” stressed Xavi, in reference to the lack of intensity of his defenders, who let a ball escape in the area before Hugo Guillamón connected with an impossible shot for Iñaki Peña. “A specific error”, in his opinion.

In any case, Barcelona has conceded eight goals in its last three games (Girona, Antwerp and Valencia), only one less than in its previous 12 games.. That defensive security that opened the doors to the title last season is far away.

“This way we will win a lot”

“It was a game to win well, easily, so the point is completely insufficient. The players have played well, I have to be positive and think that this way we will win many games,” added Xavi. According to OPTA data, Barça is the team in the five major leagues (Premier, Serie A, Liga, Bundesliga and Ligue 1) that wastes the most big chances, both in the first half (23) and after 90 minutes (41 ).

“When you forgive so much these things happen. We deserved the victory. We have been good, we have done everything to win. Enough opportunities have been generated, and very clear. The same thing happens to us from last week: effectiveness problems. “We have to be more forceful in the rival area,” commented the former Qatari Al Sadd coach.

However, nerves once again took their toll on some of their football players, such as Frenkie de Jong, who received a red card by throwing one of his boots on the grass.. A bad ending for the Dutch international, who demonstrated his excellent quality in the midfield. Thanks to him, Barça completed 480 passes, more than double that of Rubén Baraja's team.

Pedri: “We missed the goal”

Xavi's speech, without a hint of self-criticism, had obvious similarities with that of some figures in his dressing room. “Everything that wasn't three points was a tough blow.”. We have done many things well, but we lacked the goal,” Pedri said in the Movistar Plus microphones.

“We have improved a lot compared to Sunday against Girona. In the seasons there are bad moments, but we have to leave now because there are many points. We are with the mister, he is the first one who is screwed when we lose,” added the talented Canarian playmaker.