'We are under construction' - Xavi begs after El Clasico thrashing

Damola Ogungbe 18:32 - 16 October 2022

Xavi, le manager du FC Barcelone

Xavi also revealed how Barcelona can win a trophy this season even after crashing to another defeat

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has again pleaded for patience and understanding after his side fell to another defeat in the latest instalment of the El Clasico.

Real Madrid and Barcelona met on Sunday afternoon at the Santiago Bernabeu for the first leg of the most anticipated fixture of the Spanish La Liga season - the El Clasico.

Real Madrid ran out 3-1 winners with goals from Karim Benzema, Federico Valverde, and Rodrygo cancelling out Ferran Torres' effort in the second half.

We must change our mentality - Xavi to Barcelona players after El Clasico defeat

Barcelona are in dire straits under Xavi with the Blaugrana facing relegation to the Europa League for the second season in a row after they drew 3-3 with Inter Milan during the week.

Xavi Hernandez during the match between FC Barcelona and FC Internazionale Milano, corresponding to the week 4 group stage of the UEFA Champions League, played at the Spotify Camp Nou, in Barcelona, on October 12, 2022.

After Sunday's defeat to Real Madrid, Barcelona manager Xavi stated that his players must change their mentality before they can realistically win trophies with the club.

The Barcelona legend also volunteered to take the blame for the El Clasico defeat upon himself, pointing out that the Barcelona team is still undergoing changes under him as the manager.

As reported by respected transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano on his personal Twitter account, Xavi said: “We have to change our mentality if we want to win titles. I don't target the players, I'm the most responsible We’re starting a project, we’re a team under construction”

Barcelona superstars all smiles in training, with Dembele (left, first row) wearing a different look.

Barcelona are currently second on the La Liga table, three points behind leaders Real Madrid after Sunday's defeat.

The Catalan club will face Samuel Chukwueze's Villarreal next at Camp Nou on Thursday, October 20 while Real Madrid travel to Estadio Martinez Valero to take on Elche on Wednesday, October 19.