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Barcelona’s Xavi hits back at critics after UCL win

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez hits back at his critics who doubted him following the club’s Champions League victory over Napoli.

With the win, the Catalan side advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2020.

Fermín López, João Cancelo, and Robert Lewandowski scored Barca’s three goals to seal the deal.

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Xavi fires back at his critics

Xavi, 42, previously announced that he will leave Barcelona after the season ends.

For now, Xavi takes the last laugh over his critics.

“I said we would take a step forward with my decision to go in the summer,” said Xavi.

“People didn’t believe me; [they said] I was going to lose the dressing room. We have received unfair criticism. There has been too much pressure on the players: ultimatums, life or death [games].

“I even read that we were the joke of the Champions League. And now what?”

Barça stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to nine matches.

Xavi earned his moment to relish Barca’s recent accomplishments, considering they were eliminated from the Spanish Supercopa and the Copa Del Rey in January.

Barcelona are still eight points behind LaLiga leaders Real Madrid, but Xavi knows the team is playing better than last season.

“We are playing better than last year,” he said.

“We understand certain things better. Despite the results, what this team is doing deserves a lot of credit. It’s a moment to be proud and value what we have done.”

“I am really happy. It was a complete performance tonight against the Italian champions, one of the best displays of the season.”

“The team gave everything, and we dominated for large parts of the game. We have shown that we are ready to compete in Europe again and are back among the top eight teams on the continent.

“I am really proud of the players, the youngsters, the veterans, everyone. It’s a moment to enjoy.”