Xavi understands fans´ frustration but remains upbeat over Barca improvements

Xavi understands the frustration of Barcelona fans on the back of their Champions League difficulties, but remains a “natural optimist”.

Barca are in danger of failing to make the knockout stages of the Champions League for a second straight season after their 3-3 draw with Inter on Wednesday.

It left the Blaugrana on four points, eight adrift of Group C leaders Bayern Munich and three behind Inter with two games remaining.

Due to Inter’s head-to-head record against the Catalan giants, the Serie A side will guarantee progression to the round of 16 with another three points from their two remaining matches.

Barca have enjoyed a strong start in LaLiga, winning seven of eight matches, and head into Sunday’s Clasico against rivals Real Madrid ahead of the champions on goal difference at the top of the table.

Xavi, therefore, remains buoyed by the turnaround he has seen since taking over at Camp Nou 11 months ago, suggesting he would quit his post if he was not happy with the progress made.

“I understand the doubts, I know where I am. We couldn’t afford to slip up in midweek, and we did,” Xavi said in a press conference on Saturday.

“I understand how the Barca fans feel. I’m also disappointed and sad. I came here to turn the team around and we can manage that.

“If I ever feel I’m not capable of doing that, I’ll sit down here and I’ll say so.

“That’s the way I am, I’m a natural optimist. We’ve improved since last season. In LaLiga we’re going well, we haven’t lost a game yet.

14 – Robert Lewandowski