Barcelona president still trusts Xavi despite Super Cup debacle vs Real Madrid

Last night was one to forget for FC Barcelona as they succumbed to a disappointing 4-1 defeat to arch-rivals Real Madrid, losing the Spanish Super Cup in the process.

A year ago, the Blaugrana had dominated and humbled the Spanish capital club at the same stage, but ended up on the opposite end of things on Sunday night as a hat-trick from Vinicius Jr. and a Rodrygo goal condemned Xavi Hernandez & co. to a disheartening loss.

Soon after the match, the question marks about Xavi and his future at the club rose rapidly considering some of the tactical decisions and team decisions made by the manager.

The 43-year-old has been under some pressure for a while now and the loss to Real Madrid has turned up the heat to a great extent.

Laporta still trusts Xavi

Despite what went down in Riyadh on Sunday night, SPORT’s Ferran Correas is reporting that Barcelona president Joan Laporta still places full trust in Xavi Hernandez.

For the moment, the club’s confidence in Xavi remains intact. The coach received encouragement from the president immediately after the final and also on the flight back to Barcelona where, evidently, the atmosphere was one of sadness.

Xavi, after winning the Super Cup and La Liga last season, renewed his contract as coach last September. He did so until 2025 with one more optional year. The renewal was brought about because Laporta and the board trusted him and that has not changed despite the hurdles this season.

Under pressure. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Along with Laporta, Xavi also has the backing of sports vice president Rafa Yuste and sporting director Deco, all of whom supported him after the resounding defeat in the Super Cup final.

All of them still believe that no drastic decisions should be taken and that the grades should be given at the end of the season, as Barça are still alive in three competitions and there is still a chance of winning the title.

Xavi remains confident

The report further states that despite what went down against Real Madrid, Xavi remains confident of turning the situation around at Barcelona.

The former midfielder is very disappointed with the game played by his team, with whom he was critical after the final for the way they went into the final.

But, he has confidence in himself and in the squad and is sure that with hard work they will be able to achieve the turnaround they have been looking for for weeks.