Xavi apologises to Barcelona fans after dismal Super Cup defeat to Real Madrid

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez apologised to supporters after his team were beaten 4-1 by Real Madrid in the final of the Spanish Super Cup.

The Catalans giants were 2-0 down after just 10 minutes and then conceded another two goals to ensure they were comfortably beaten by Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Xavi’s team also finished the match with 10 men, after Ronald Araujo was sent off, and the coach was downhearted after the game.

“Disappointed, sad. We had a lot of hope, a lot of enthusiasm and we had the worst game of all. We started very badly, we were able to get one back but the 3-1 score made things difficult for us,” he told Movistar.

“Madrid have done us a lot of damage on the counter, we have not stopped those counters, and today we have to live the bitter side of football.

“I apologize to the fans because it has been difficult for us to compete. We have not been comfortable at any time, we have been dominated. I apologise to the fans because we have shown a poor display. I have lived through very tough defeats and we have recovered. Barça will return.”

Xavi also said he’s expecting a lot of criticism in the coming days and “we have to accept it” after not being at the level required against Real Madrid.

The team will now head back to Barcelona with the next game a Copa del Rey clash against Unionistas on Thursday.