Xavi puts Barcelona situation into perspective ahead of Champions League dead rubber

Barcelona head coach Xavi attempted to put the club’s embarrassing Champions League elimination into perspective as he insisted the team is on the “right track”.

The Blaugrana will play no part in the Champions League knockout stages for the second season running after accumulating just four points from five games.

Prior to last season, Barca had reached at least the last 16 of the Champions League in 19 successive campaigns.

Their fate was sealed last Wednesday when Inter beat Viktoria Plzen to secure their passage alongside Group C winners Bayern Munich, who crushed Barca 3-0 at Camp Nou later that day.

While it was undoubtedly a major blow considering Barca’s significant squad investment in the face of financial issues during the transfer window, Xavi feels he is able to offer perspective given he has seen the club at its worst and its best.

“Unfortunately and luckily, I have lived through the worst period in the club’s history, from 2000 to 2003, and the best, from when [Frank] Rijkaard arrived until I retired,” he said.

“We have to insist, now is not the time to doubt. We are in a situation that we did not expect, eliminated from the Champions League, but we have to believe in the idea, draw a line and have faith.

“I am very positive. I continue to think that we are on the right track. The titles will be won in 2023 [not now].