Xavi on Barcelona's Europa League exit: "It is a big disappointment"
The Barça coach saw his side knocked out of Europe once again
Xavi Hernández was unable to hide his disappointment at being knocked out of the Europa League at the first hurdle against Manchester United.
Barcelona continue to underachieve in Europe, where in recent years they have been failing to deliver. At Spotify Camp Nou and at Old Trafford the team has competed against one of the most in-form teams on the continent but they were not able to control the small details that penalise them so much in European competitions.
"It's a big disappointment," he said. "The games in Europe are decided by small details and we didn't control them. That's why we're out."
The new setback forces the team and the club to reflect on why it is so difficult for Barça to return to being a team with important aspirations in European competitions.
"The feeling is that we have been much better than last season, but we have lost to Bayern, Inter and Man Utd. We didn't measure up. We have to try to be more competitive and be self-critical to try to do better next season."
Xavi lamented the equaliser, which he believes was key to United's win after Barça's great first half.
"The first goal hurt us," he said. "In the 50-50 balls and in the individual duels we struggled. They are a very intense team. At Camp Nou and here the tie was very even and at times we were very good but it wasn't to be.
The Blaugrana boss didn't want to reproach his players too much: "It's a shame because the team gave their all and deserved more. United are physically very strong, Shaw won the duel in the second goal and after two rebounds it came to Antony. We could have dominated the game more."
Finally, he explained that what they need to do now is to turn the page quickly because the challenges ahead are key.
"The only positive thing is that we have a game on Sunday and we have to focus on Almería and on Thursday on the Copa del Rey semi-final," he continued. "There are two titles left and we want to win them because they are very important for the club."
