Xavi demanded more “aggression” from his Barcelona players after losing 3-1 to Real Madrid in the Clasico on Sunday.
Barça were usurped at the top of La Liga when shots from Karim Benzema and Federico Valverde and a late penalty from Rodrigo sealed a comfortable victory for champions Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The defeat was Barça’s first of the season in La Liga and Xavi has urged his players to do more since Thursday’s game against Villarreal.
“We are leaving empty-handed. We didn’t take advantage of our chances, but Real Madrid took advantage of them,” he said.
4 – In Robert Lewandowski’s last four games with +6 goalless shots in all competitions, his team failed to win: two for #Barcelona (P2 – 7 against Bayern and 6 against Real Madrid today) and two in favor of the Bavarian team (D2). This is the first time white again. Basic. pic.twitter.com/OwautTmhvq
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) October 16, 2022
“We played well in the first half, but if we want to win this match, we need to change our mindset.
“It worries me that we have not reached our level of play. The first goal may not take place.
“We are in a situation that does not suit us and we have to change it from Thursday. I can’t be satisfied with losing 3-1.
“We have been very good in the league, but we need to improve our strength and aggression.
“I don’t think that Inter’s game [in midweek] had an impact. Without a great game, we had chances to draw 1-1, 2-2, but when you don’t concentrate on the Bernabéu, that happens.”
Barça are now three points behind their rivals and return to the league with a visit from Villarreal on Thursday.