Xavi reveals key to Barcelona’s recent improvement in form

Barcelona have turned around what was a despicable season in recent weeks. The Catalans have been impressive, not just in terms of results but also their dominance on the field, and it is clear that it is no mere coincidence.

A lot has changed since Xavi announced his departure from the club. The announcement served as a wake-up call to the players in the squad, one that has gone a long way in reinstating the best in every individual donning the club’s crest.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s timely return to fitness, the defensive resurgence, Ilkay Gundogan and Sergi Roberto’s class in midfield and Robert Lewandowski’s return to form are just some of the numerous aspects that have fallen in place.

Manager’s take

Speaking to the media after Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Las Palmas at Estadi Olimpic de Lluis Companys, Xavi spoke about a plethora of topics. The highlight of his interview, however, was when he was asked about the secret behind the team’s resurgence.

“We are defending very well. Before the red card, we recovered many balls, we are serious. Defence is key to being where we are,” Xavi said.

The manager’s analysis is indeed spot on, for it is the ramped-up performances at the back that has helped the Catalans appear more dominant. A small retrospection puts into perspective how the defence has evolved in recent games.

A tale of six games

The resurgence of Barcelona’s defence partly began during the 4-0 win over Getafe, when the team gave the opposition little to no chance on goal.

Pau Cubarsi had another masterclass performance against Las Palmas. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The team was underwhelming in attack in the subsequent draw against Athletic Club, but the only reason they walked away with a point was the consolidated defence.

Barcelona then romped to a clean sheet against Mallorca and a dominant 3-1 win over Napoli in the Champions League, a night when the team recorded 50 defensive actions and won 61 duels on the park.

Xavi’s side were once again spotless in defence against Atletico Madrid, maintaining a clean sheet at Civitas Metropolitano. Last night was their fifth straight clean sheet in La Liga, a feat they have not achieved before this season.

A large part of Barcelona’s rebirth in defence can be linked to Pau Cubarsi’s rise too. However, Jules Kounde’s rapid improvement at right-back, Andreas Christensen’s adaptation to the pivot role, and Ronald Araujo’s no-nonsense defending all demand equal credit.

Source of Xavi’s quote: Barça TV+