Barça reached the Super Cup after a sequence of three consecutive wins, yet doubts surrounded their play, and the team sat seven points behind the league leaders. The tournament was cast as a potential turning point, much like last year, when the Blaugrana lifted the title after a victory over Real Madrid and briefly created momentum in the league with a late surge in the final stretch.
But the reality proved harsher than the expectation. Xavi’s side beat Osasuna in the semi-finals only to fall to Real Madrid with a 4-1 defeat in the final. What was billed as a turning point instead became a tough test for the squad and for the manager, who anticipated criticism in the days ahead. “I’m used to it. This is Barça. We must accept it and keep working to move forward”, he stated after the final whistle.
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Defeats to the eternal rivals sting, and a heavy loss can spark a crisis that tests the club’s resolve. For now, leadership expressed continued faith in Xavi. The manager received encouragement from the president after the final, and the mood on the plane back to Barcelona reflected disappointment in the outcome and the image shown against Real Madrid.
Last season, Xavi guided Barça to the Super Cup and the league title, and he renewed his contract last September with an additional optional year through 2025. The decision was driven by the president’s trust in the project and a belief in the coach from Terrassa. In recent weeks, senior figures in the club’s sporting circle—varying opinions from board members notwithstanding—have publicly supported Xavi as the right person for this project. The trio of leaders behind the decision have faced scrutiny, yet they have stood firm in their assessment that drastic changes should be held off until the season’s end.
There remains confidence that the team can compete on all fronts. Barça remains alive in three competitions, with opportunities still to chase titles. Analyses and potential decisions are expected to come at the appropriate time. The sports management has signaled that the current structure should endure to see this campaign through. Some sections of the club have noted that qualification for the upcoming Champions League campaign could be at risk, though the club remains convinced that the trouble will not derail that objective. On the final day of the period, Barça finished in fourth place, eight points behind Girona, seven behind Real Madrid, and tied with Athletic. The Catalans and Basques still have one more match to play under Xavi. Atlético de Madrid sits in fifth, three points adrift with the same number of games left to play.
Xavi’s Position
This stance mirrors the club’s senior leadership. The coach retains the backing of the top figures, who remain disappointed by the performance but believe in his ability to turn things around. After the disappointment in Riyadh, there is a clear sense of confidence in Xavi to guide the team back on track and to assemble a plan that can yield results.
The club’s leadership continues to back Xavi and the squad, convinced that hard work can spark the needed change. The aim is to reclaim momentum and contest for the remaining trophies. If success came last year, there is a belief that it can be achieved again this season through focused effort and strategic preparation.