Xavi: It's strange some Barça players don't understand positional play
The coach gave a frank view of the current problems at the club
Xavi Hernandez gave an honest assessment on Friday when asked about the problems he has encountered at Barcelona since replacing Ronald Koeman.
"(The players) were not working on positional play and we defend in a different way to they did under the previous coach," he said.
The Barça boss said he's doing individual work with some players to correct things, but he also said he's been surprised at the lack of understanding some of his players have.
"We don't understand the way we want to play football," he added. "It's strange that there are Barça players that don't understand positional play."
"We have to be positive and brave. Press high, press when we lose the ball, attack the spaces... that's what we want.
"I have come halfway through the season, with the planning all done. I've been here for a month and see things that need changing. Players, yes, but also dynamics, habits, concrete aspects...
"For example, we don't defend in the same way as the previous coach. We haven't had a preseason. It's evident that we need to reinforce the team."
On Frenkie de Jong, he added: "We're helping him a lot so that he can see when to attack the space, when to protect the ball... If we could have kept possession for longer in the opposition half at Osasuna, it's likely we would have won the game.
"Frenkie's an experienced player but he's also still young. He's also helping us a lot, he's the first to help us play through pressure, but when you don't win games there's also a psychological element to work on. "
