Xavi reacts after Barcelona 3-5 Villarreal: “Team is emotionally collapsed”
Incredible scenes unfolded at the Olympic Saint Montjuic today as Barcelona lost 3-5 against Villarreal.
The Yellow Submarines had taken a two-goal lead by the 54th minute, after which the hosts started to mount their comeback.
Ilkay Gundogan and Pedri starred in the second half, leading the charge, and scoring a goal a piece to equalise by the 68th minute. An own goal from Eric Bailly eventually gave Barcelona the lead in minute 71.
However, no more than 13 minutes later, Goncalo Guedes found a way through Barcelona’s backline, scoring Villarreal’s third.
Eventually, a mistake from Inaki Pena and Ronald Araujo gave way to Alexander Sorloth for the fourth and Jose Luis Morales rubbed salts on the wounds in the 112th minute, scoring the fifth.
“We made mistakes, but that penalty call changed the match. The fourth referee told me it was a clear penalty,” Xavi said about the game, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
He took responsibility, though, when asked to comment on Frenkie de Jong’s statement from when he said the players, and not Xavi, was at fault for the mess.
“I understand that Frenkie takes responsibility for himself, but I am the most responsible person for this.”
“The players are committed to the team. I’m responsible for this. We’re not doing well, but I’m strong enough to continue and try to change this dynamic.”
“I might get sanctioned, but the penalty call ruined the match. It was a clear penalty and the fourth referee admitted it. I don’t want to say anything else, but the images are there,” he doubled down on the non-penalty call late in the game.
Xavi did admit that the team was an emotional wreck right now, especially after conceding four to Madrid, four to Athletic Club, and then five tonight.
“We’re in a hole with a negative dynamic. The entire team is emotionally collapsed.”
“It’s a massive blow. We were good in the second half. The team deserved to win, but we lost it ourselves,” he also said.
Following these statements, Xavi came out to his press conference and announced that he would be leaving Barcelona at the end of the season.
The Barça boss believes that the team and the players are in need of a change of dynamic and it would be in everyone’s best interest for him to step down once the season is over.
