Xavi Hernández only has room to think about El Clásico. The Champions League is history. La Liga is precisely one of those tournaments in which FC Barcelona can redeem itself with fans.
The coach referred first of all to the method that the Culé side used on their last visit to the Bernabéu. On that spring night, Barça beat Ancelotti's Real Madrid 4-0, who were thinking more about the UEFA Champions League than La Liga.
"It can serve as a reference for us. We have to play bravely. It's true that they feel comfortable coming out on the counter, but we have to play as a block, attack in a compact way. We all have to come out in transitions. We have to show personality and a very clear example of that is last year," he said.
As expected, Barcelona's Champions League defeat to Inter Milan is still making headlines. Hernandez, mindful of the situation, has handled questions from the press about the match calmly.
"We are disappointed too. Europe takes its toll on you, but we have to keep going. The team is committed and it's early days. LaLiga is long, there's the Super Cup and the Copa. I don't believe in any other road to success than the one we are on".
As the days go by, the fans' criticism of the "sacred cows" in the dressing room is growing. The discomfort of some fans with the team captains is notorious. In this context, Xavi has lowered the tension and assured that the doubts revolve around the whole team.
"There will be doubts about everything. Players, coach, signings? I don't know if it's fair, but we can't stop there. We drew a game we shouldn't have. This club has the highest demands. Between all of us, we have to pull this off".
Finally, Hernández explained that his plan for a win at the Santiago Bernabéu goes beyond stopping Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous players in the Merengues' squad. However, the Catalan coach recognises the strengths of Ancelotti's side and says they have more weapons.
"Not only Vinicius, but also Benzema, Rodrygo, Valverde.... They are a competitive team, who make the most of their players. It's a great game. It's not how to stop Vinicius, but how to stop Madrid", he explained.
