Spain manager Luis de la Fuente defends Barcelona boss Xavi: “Has always been up to the task”

Speaking at a media appearance earlier today, Spanish national team manager Luis de la Fuente has offered his support to Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez, claiming that it is not easy to win trophies year after year.

After having led the team to the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup last season, Xavi has been unable to build on that success this time around.

The Blaugrana lost the Spanish Super Cup final to Real Madrid in a disappointing manner and have been knocked out of the Copa del Rey as well.

The 3-3 draw against Granada this past Sunday left Xavi’s men trailing La Liga leaders Real Madrid by ten points with 14 games left, making the defence of their title very unlikely.

Xavi has already announced that he will leave in the summer owing to how things have gone this season. But there are some within the board and fanbases who want him out immediately.

Sympathising with Xavi’s situation, Spain boss De la Fuente said: “I understand about Xavi on the Barça bench. He won the league and the Super Cup in his first full year, he was extraordinary but you can only win one, in football you lose a lot more than you win.

“This year there are Real Madrid and Girona, who have been better. And Barcelona have had a lot of problems with injuries and setbacks. Xavi has always been up to the task, he has shown great professionalism and a great performance last year.”

Despite the pressure rising, Joan Laporta & co. are expected to stick with Xavi until the end of the season. As for the next campaign, possible replacement candidates have been identified, although it remains to be seen who Barcelona hire to succeed Xavi.

Source: AS