Xavi: 'The Pressure Of Expectations Weighs Heavily On Barca'

`Expectations have weighed heavily on the players, causing them to play somewhat stressfully. But I told them that now the one under pressure is me, the coach, not the players,` Xavi said.

Coach Xavi in Barca’s match against Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou in round 1 of La Liga on August 13.

In the summer of 2022, Barca spent 153 million USD to recruit Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde.

Against Rayo Vallecano, Barca held the ball 68%, finished 21 times with six shots on target, took eight corners but could not score.

For the third consecutive match, Barca could not score a goal against Rayo Vallecano.

On the one hand, Xavi highly appreciated Rayo Vallecano’s defense, but on the other hand admitted that Barca played ineffectively and did not create many opportunities.

Xavi: 'The pressure of expectations weighs heavily on Barca'

Lewandowski was disappointed after an unsatisfactory finish in Barca’s draw with Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou on August 13.

According to Xavi, even though they just bought five rookies, Barca still does not have an optimal force.

Frenkie de Jong – the midfielder in the sights of Man Utd and Chelsea – sat on the bench and played quite well when replacing Gavi from the 60th minute. According to Xavi, the Dutch midfielder is still a key factor for Barca, but left open.

Xavi also praised Marc-Andre ter Stegen – the German goalkeeper twice saved in a face-off – and Lewandowski, although the striker played poorly in his first official match for Barca.