Barcelona president Laporta throws support behind coach Xavi،
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has declared his unwavering support for coach Xavi Hernández following media criticism.
Xavi, under pressure due to his team’s poor performances, recently lashed out at the media for creating a negative atmosphere for his players.
Barça beat Alavés 2-1 on Sunday, but had lost the previous three matches, including a 2-1 home defeat to Real Madrid in Clasico.
“I want it to be very clear, just like [Barça sporting director] Deco and the leaders of my board have said that we are fully on the side of our coach and that we are proud to have Xavi as coach for his professional and human quality,” Laporta said on Thursday.
“Here, we are a close-knit group, we close ranks. At this moment, it is very important to be together.”
Xavi led Barca to the La Liga title last season – his first full campaign in charge of the club after taking over in 2021.
Barca are third in La Liga, four points behind fellow Catalan Girona and two behind Real Madrid.
After Sunday’s victory, Xavi accused the media of destabilizing his players.
“We are not living the best moment and we are the first to be self-critical from within, but all this adds nothing and generates nervousness in the footballer which is not normal,” Xavi said.
“We haven’t seen the best versions of footballers because they don’t play freely. Without a doubt, what the media says affects the way the team plays. There is a negativity that is neither good not positive at all.”
His criticism of the media only led to Xavi being mocked by journalists. “From here, from my humble platform, I apologize,” Manu Carreño, director of the show El Larguero de Cadena Cope, said this week.
“I will no longer criticize FC Barcelona’s play if it can help Barça play better. And if we all do this, I believe that Xavi will be guaranteed good results in the next matches.”
Barcelona are tied on nine points with FC Porto at the top of Champions League Group H with two matches remaining. Laporta insists Xavi and Barca are on the right track.
“We are well placed in the Champions League and La Liga,” he said. “Now we have a period in which the injured can recover and Xavi will have all the troops available. We are there and the important thing is how it ends. We are working here to be strong in the final stretch.”
