An “angry” Xavi said things have to change at Barcelona after they were knocked out of the Champions League following a 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich.
Barca have failed to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time since the 2003/04 season when they competed in the UEFA Cup.
Goals from Thomas Muller, Leroy Sane and Jamal Musiala completed a 3-0 victory for Bayern Munich over Barca at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, ensuring Xavi’s side finished third in Group E and that they will compete in the Europa League Round of 32 next year.
Xavi, who has overseen two wins, a draw and two defeats since being appointed first-team coach, lambasted his players after the final whistle and conceded that Barca are no longer at the same level of Bayern.
“Bayern dominated us,” he said. “We always want to dominate but it was the opposite here. We must demand more. We’re Barca. This must be a point of inflection to change the dynamic and many more things.
Rangnick: ‘Massive talent’ Greenwood must develop physically
Transfer Centre LIVE! Wijnaldum, Ramsey back to the PL?
Spurs say Rennes clash off after Covid outbreak; Rennes dispute decision
Xavi fumes at Barca CL exit: ‘Bayern dominated us’
Wijnaldum open to PL return but PSG standing firm
CL last 16: When is the draw? Who has qualified?
Lewis vs Max: The ultimate explainer for F1’s decider
Head hits ton as Australia dominate in Brisbane
Tuchel tells Chelsea to stop coasting after failing to top group
Verstappen vs Hamilton: The story of a remarkable title fight
“This is the Champions League, but this is also our reality. It’s the situation we’re in. I’m angry. This is the reality and it p***es me off. We have to tackle it face on. There’s nothing else for it.
“A new era starts today. We start from zero. Our objective is the Champions League, not the Europa League, but that is our reality now and we have to try and win it.”
“I’ve seen how tough the reality is,” Xavi added.
“I hoped we would compete better. Bayern are better. That’s the reality. But we’re going to work hard and give our all so that this doesn’t happen again. It’s a feeling of helplessness.
“We have to start to get Barca back where they belong, which is not in the Europa League. This is also a hammer blow for me as a coach. We will work hard to bring Barca back, but we have to change a lot, of course.”
Barca now face Osasuna, Elche and Sevilla in La Liga before the league’s short winter break, with Xavi’s side seventh in the Spanish top flight and trailing leaders Real Madrid by 16 points.