FC Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez was critical of his players’ finishing and lack of effectiveness after they drew with Valencia 1-1 at the Mestalla on Saturday.
Barca didn’t fall behind early on this occasion, as has been seen frequently as of late.
Instead they took the lead themselves through Joao Felix 10 minutes into the second half, only to be equalized by a stunning strike from Hugo Guillamon a quarter of an hour later.
There were plenty of chances on either side of the goals for the visitors, but Barca weren’t able to put any of them away and left the match with just a sole point.
If La Liga leaders Girona win against Almeria on Monday, the Blaugrana will be nine behind their Catalan neighbours leaving Xavi to lament squandered opportunities.
“The same thing is happening again as last week with the effectiveness,” he told Movistar in a post-match interview. “Today we gave away two points. The chances are to win the game.”
“We take away a point that leaves us dissatisfied,” he continued. “An insufficient point, today was a final.”
Xavi said that his team lacks “a lot of effectiveness” with Saturday’s fixture “alarming”.
Feeling that his side “dominated the game” and played football, the club legend pointed out that the match was a “reflection of the season” in which Barca look increasingly likely to surrender their Spanish top flight crown to Girona or eternal rivals Real Madrid.
Looking to explain Barca’s misfortune in front of goal, Xavi offered that his men train finishing but “that it also depends on each person’s confidence.”
Speaking after the stalemate to the same outlet, Pedri stated that “anything less than getting the three points today is negative for us”.
“We improved our game compared to Girona, where we weren’t good, but we didn’t score. It’s not a good time, but we all have to be together,” the midfielder demanded.
At a time when Xavi is under pressure, the Spain international declared: “We are with the mister.”
“It is true that these are not good moments, but when we lose points the most screwed up is him”, the number 8 concluded.
