Barcelona Coach Xavi Apologizes After Devastating Loss to Real Madrid in El Clásico

Barcelona manager Xavi has issued a heartfelt apology to the team’s loyal fans following their devastating 4-1 loss to Real Madrid in the final of the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday.

The match began disastrously for Barcelona as they found themselves trailing 2-0 within the first 10 minutes. Despite Robert Lewandowski‘s goal in the 33rd minute, their chances of a comeback were dashed when Ronald Araujo received two yellow cards and was shown the red in the 72nd minute.

Xavi expressed his remorse saying, ‘All we can do right now is accept the criticism and apologize to the fans. We didn’t show up as a team playing in a final, much less against Real Madrid. I take full responsibility for this defeat.’

The loss adds to Barcelona’s woes in what has been a lackluster season so far. Currently sitting fourth in La Liga and trailing the league leaders Girona by nine points, Barcelona has struggled to find consistency and has suffered some notable defeats along the way.

This defeat to Real Madrid comes on the heels of their 1-0 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk in Champions League play on November 7 and their shocking 4-2 defeat by Girona on December 10.

Despite mounting criticism, Xavi remains committed to the project and believes in his team’s ability to bounce back.

‘I keep trusting the project and I keep trusting myself,’ he stated. ‘We will keep going.’

Barcelona has the opportunity to turn their fortunes around on Thursday when they face second-division side Unionistas in Copa del Rey action. They will then resume La Liga play against Real Betis on Sunday.