Xavi: FC Barcelona boss takes a dig at club’s mentality after dropping points away at Vallecano; with an own goal saving blushes for the defending champions

FC Barcelona boss Xavi have reacted in an unprecedented manner when he was heard speaking about his side’s unfortunate stalemate away at Vallecas Stadium, where the defending champions showcased an unimpressive display with the ball, with several comebacks and an injury replacement the highlights of the game.

Barca plays out unimpressive game against Rayo Vallecano

FC Barcelona might be the defending champions of La Liga, but this season, it seems that they have not got their groove, which seems to be hampering their winning mentality, which is utmost essential to maintain their title-winning streak. Although they are on the top of their table in UEFA Champions League, mustering nine points from four games with three victories, at the domestic circuit, the Blaugranas are showcasing a meagre attitude which have kept them on the fourth position after 14 outings, trailing closely behind surprise leaders Girona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

Last afternoon, Barca had a forgettable away game at Vallecas stadium, against Rayo Vallecano, a side which had frequently posed problems for the champions in the past, drawing or losing all of their last away games against this side. Although Xavi’s brigade have been impeded by several important injuries which have come off at vital moments including Gavi’s ACL tear which have sidelined him for the rest of the season, the defending champions does not look their best whenever they have taken the field. They have been cynical in most cases, winning on the dying moments of the game, including the fixture against Athletic Club, which needed a La Masia youngster Marc Guiu to make history by scoring the winner on the last minutes. Against Rayo, a pivotal change made by Xavi was starting goalkeeping genius Inaki Pena at the goal, owing to injury absence of regular and defending Zamora trophy winner Ter Stegen. Although the match was a stalemate, but Pena was tested by the Rayo strikers several times in the game, as he seemed a bit nervous owing to the might of the first division game.

A banger by Unai Lopez saw Barca concede the first goal, which was later cancelled by Lejeune’s own strike on the 80th minute, which sealed the game. But along with Pena, several other stars were making their comeback from injuries with Frenkie De Jong captaining the side and Pedri marshalling the midfield in place of Gavi. Former midfield maestro for the Catalans Xavi did make some changes in the second half which improved things for the defending champions, but it was not enough for the win.

“A little late”

After the game, Xavi was heard speaking to media via Mundo Deportivo, when he reflected about the review of the game. He said, “The mentality of the second half is good, but you already have an urgency. It’s already a little late. You have to go for the game from the first minute.”

He further reflected about a “shift” in mentality after winning La Liga and Spanish Super Cup last season, as it might have derailed their winning impetus, causing a major change in their focus and determination. He said, “We have to change the mentality of going to win the games. The fact of winning La Liga and the super cup has affected us.”

He did not forget to mention about the things which did not go in their way, which involved a potential penalty after incidents on Raphinha and Lewandowski. These are several things which are marring the winning mentality, according to Xavi, as he said, “These are difficult situations that are going against us.”

After winning by big margins by consecutive 5-0 victories against Real Betis and Royal Antwerp, the defending champions have faltered with stalemates against Mallorca and Granada. They have encountered a first Clasico loss after Bellingham heroics sealed the deal for Los Blancos. Barca would be facing a crunch fixture against Porto in midweek clash hoping of a second stage qualification, which they have failed to achieve in last two seasons.