Xavi Hernandez enjoyed his first game as Barcelona’s head coach as his side won 1-0 against arch-rivals Espanyol at the Camp Nou. A spot-kick from Memphis Depay is enough to see them over the line and keep them connected to the other big sides at the top of LaLiga.
Barcelona legend has admitted after the game, that there is still a lot of work to be done with his team, but he hopes they will continue to improve despite not having all the means when it comes to Espanyol.
We had to suffer to get the result, ”Xavi said after the game. “They are a great team, they are organized and they play well.
“It is still early and we have not been able to work very closely with the team, but I am happy with their attitude and I am satisfied with the result, but it has been a difficult task.
“There are no easy games today, but we have to improve, the enthusiasm of the fans has helped a lot. I am happy with the level of work and I think the team has given it all. We will improve as time goes on.”
Barcelona started the game well but came out on top in the second half. However, Xavi insists it was not a fitness problem.
“It’s not a physical problem, it’s a game management game,” he said.
“We had to hold the ball and show a lot of personalities. “The problem with football is not physical.”
Barcelona finds itself in the top spot in LaLiga, but Xavi believes there is still a lot to play for.
“We are a little behind, but we still have a lot of games left to play,” he told reporters.
“We have experience over the years when a lot of points have been pulled back.
“Only with attitude, effort, and sacrifice can we move forward. I have high hopes, but we must wait and see.
“This is my first win as a coach. The team deserved it and needed it.”
