Barcelona Looks For A Fresh Start In 1st Game Since Xavi’s Decision To Leave At End Of The Season – News18

MADRID: Xavi Hernández needs a contemporary begin for Barcelona in its first match for the reason that coach introduced his choice to go away on the finish of the season.

Barcelona hosts Osasuna within the Spanish league on Wednesday in a sport postponed from earlier this 12 months due to the Spanish Super Cup that was performed in Saudi Arabia. Atletico Madrid additionally performs its postponed match on Wednesday, internet hosting Rayo Vallecano. Real Madrid — the Super Cup champion — visits Getafe on Thursday.

“It’s not an easy time but Barça and the fans need to be united,” Xavi stated Tuesday. “I would like to highlight the reaction of the fans and the locker room following my announcement. The shows of affection I have received have been amazing. My announcement was designed to help the team grow so that we can all take a step forward.”

Xavi introduced his choice to go away shortly after the staff’s 5-3 residence loss to Villareal on Saturday within the league. He stated he hoped the announcement would decrease the stress and rigidity that was surrounding each the staff and himself.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta stated he would stick to Xavi this season as a result of he was a membership nice and was assured that the coach would stay dedicated regardless of deciding to go away.

“The reaction of the players should be what it needs to be on the field because we depend on them becoming inspired,” Xavi stated. “There is a lot at stake, do our best in the league and compete in the Champions League. I am still excited, I feel free. I will give a bit extra to make it work.”

The loss to Villarreal left Barcelona in fourth place, 11 factors behind league chief Girona and 10 factors from second-place Madrid.

The Catalan membership had already been eradicated by Athletic Bilbao within the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey and misplaced 4-1 to Madrid within the Spanish Super Cup closing.

Osasuna, which additionally performed within the Super Cup and misplaced to Barcelona within the semifinals, has received two of its final three league video games. It’s twelfth within the standings.

Third-place Atletico will attempt to prolong its unbeaten run at residence to twenty-eight matches in all competitions when it hosts Rayo.

Atletico’s final residence defeat was towards Barcelona in January final 12 months within the Spanish league. Diego Simeone’s staff has solely two attracts throughout this streak, which tied its earlier run of 27 unbeaten residence matches from 2019-2021.

Rayo, which is thirteenth, is winless in 4 straight video games in all competitions.

Madrid can retake the Spanish league lead if it wins at midtable Getafe on Thursday.

Unbeaten in 24 consecutive matches throughout all tournaments, Madrid has received 5 video games in a row within the league.

Getafe is coming off a win at Granada after three straight league matches with no win.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

(This story has not been edited by News18 workers and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed – Associated Press)