Xavi: “Bayern were much better”

Xavi Hernández spoke to the media after Barcelona went crashing out of the Champions League on Wednesday.

What message can you send to the fans after what has happened?

I thank the fans, they were fantastic. Bayern were much better and they cheered us on until the end.

Performance against Bayern

In Munich, we were better. We didn’t compete today. Being knocked out before the game affected us. It’s a pity. It was a difficult group and everything went against us. It was cruel.

Busquets whistled

We have to be united, there are more competitions to come.

Failure with Barcelona

I understand everything, but everything happened to us, mainly our mistakes in terms of effectiveness. It was cruel until the third goal. We were at a level where we could have deserved more, but life goes on and I think we’ll have to keep going.

Are you disappointed?

Bayern were more intense and better. We didn’t compete and it’s the first time I’ve had this feeling. We didn’t play well today and this feeling affected us psychologically. In the pre-match chat we tried to say that it was a matter of courage and pride. Last year it wasn’t enough for us football-wise and this year, when it was enough, we fell because of our mistakes.

Was there too much hope?

There is still hope, we can win titles. I say it honestly. This continues and must continue. My speech won’t change. The fans deserve us to give everything. We have to show them respect.

Xavi optimistic

Do you feel affected by the outcome?

I’m fine. I was annoyed after Milan but we can still have a great season and it’s October. We can win LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, the Europa League and the Super Cup.

Was there a lack of pride?

No, it’s just that they were better. Bayern are a great team and favourites to win the Champions League. It was a footballing thing.

Do you think you were not good enough against rivals like Bayern?

I think we had it in our hands. And with Inter too. We played an extraordinary first half. Today they got the better of us, but it was only today.

Is it a problem for Spanish football that it’s only Madrid left in the Champions League?

I don’t think so. Last year Villarreal reached the semi-finals and this year Juve are out. It depends on the moment. LaLiga is at the level of the Premier League.