'We Didn't Compete' — Xavi On Barca's Relegation To Europa

Barcelona’s new boss Xavi Hernandez laments as his side's season continues with elimination from the UEFA Champions League into Europa League.

Entering their final Group E clash against Bayern Munich, the Catalans needed a victory to ensure their advancement to the knockout stages. However, they were hammered by the German champions at the Allianz Arena and were consigned to another 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Bavarian giants.

The loss, coupled with SL Benfica’s easy win over Dynamo Kyiv, meant that Barca finished third in the group and will now drop down to the UEFA Europa League.

Speaking after the game, manager Xavi Hernandez, who took over the reins only in November, lamented over the poor display against Bayern, claiming that the team did not compete strongly enough.

“We didn’t compete. I told the players that today is a new beginning, a turning point. We can’t afford to be in the Europa League,” the 41-year-old said, after his second less as manager of Barcelona.

Further elaborating on the situation that the club find itself in, the former midfielder added: “I am angry because this is our reality, and it pisses me off. I feel responsible.”

Xavi also insisted that the team will do everything in their power to get Barcelona back to where they belong while admitting that things need to be changed to achieve that.

“I love this club. There is a feeling of helplessness right now, but we will do everything to bring Barça back. I expected us to compete in a different way, and it is a blow for me as a coach too. We have to change things,” the Barcelona legend stated.

Asked about the club’s plans and ambitions for the Europa League, Xavi responded: “We have to win it, win every game and title.”

Barcelona will begin its Europa League journey in February next year, entering the competition at the Round of 32.