RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan 15 – Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández repeatedly apologized to the club’s supporters after Sunday’s 4-1 humbling at the hands of Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia.
Vinícius Júnior scored a first-half hat-trick at Al-Awwal Park, including two in the first 10 minutes, and Rodrygo Goes completed the rout in the second half as Madrid inflicted revenge on Barça for last year’s defeat in the final.
Robert Lewandowski had briefly helped Barça back into the game at 2-1, but Vinícius’ third goal, via a penalty, killed off any hopes of a Clásico comeback before the break.
“I am disappointed and sad,” Xavi told Movistar after the match. “This is football and today we have to deal with the painful side of the game.
“It is a shame. We had a lot of hope going into the final and we’ve produced our worst performance. We started badly, we had a chance to come back, but the penalty killed the game.
“We were never comfortable. Madrid did a lot of damage on the counter and in transition. We apologise to the fans, we didn’t compete, but I’ve experienced a lot of defeats with this club. Barça will come back.”
Xavi asked for forgiveness from the fans several more times in his post-game news conference and said he is ready for the criticism which will “deservedly” follow.
“It’s a moment to say sorry to the supporters and accept the criticism that comes,” he added. “We did not show the side of the team we should have in a final, especially against Madrid.
“We were at our worst today in the worst scenario possible and it’s a trophy lost. I am responsible. I accept the criticism and we will keep working hard.
“It’s a tough defeat but we have recovered from tough defeats many times before and we will compete again in the best possible way.”
However, despite the nature of the result, coupled with being eight points adrift of LaLiga leaders Girona, Xavi, who led Barça to the league title last year, does not fear for his job.
“[There is] confidence, yes,” the Barça boss, who renewed his contract until 2025 last year, said when asked if he still has support from the club’s hierarchy.
“We must be self-critical and correct a lot, but I still believe in the project and that can have a great season. We have to be very self-critical about our performance today.
“There are reasons to believe. We won two trophies last year with me as coach. It’s not that long ago. Today was tough and I apologise to the fans, but there are arguments in our favour.”
