Xavi Hernández reveals belief Barcelona can beat Real Madrid to LaLiga title after Getafe win

Barcelona extended their unbeaten run to six games in all competitions on Saturday by thrashing Getafe 4-0 at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Montjuïc, a result that leaves them five points behind LaLiga leaders Real Madrid, albeit having played a game more. After seeing his team put in their best performance in a number of months, head coach Xavi Hernández spoke of his belief Barça could still challenge their Clásico rivals for the league title.

Barcelona’s “complete, convincing performance” against getafe

The 44 year old first spoke to Spanish broadcaster Movistar immediately after the final whistle.

Are you happy with the result?

I’m happy with many things. It was a very complete performance. We knew where to find spaces and that’s where the goals came from. We matched their intensity. We played very well. It was a convincing performance from the whole team. We surprised them. I am pleased with the team’s performance. The victory leaves us feeling good, now it’s time to think about (the next league game against) Athletic (on 3 March).

Did you name the right starting lineup?

We hoped that would be the case. Raphinha and João Félix are really good at getting in behind and played very well. They found spaces a lot. Today, they were able to get beyond their markers often.

De Jong said he didn’t play well.

Frenkie is very self-critical, he’s a perfectionist. He always wants to play 10/10 and that’s why he’s a Barça player. We will work on things with him, but he had a good game.

Xavi discusses Barça’s LaLiga title hopes

Is winning LaLiga still a target?

I’ve already said that we are not throwing in the towel. We have to win three points every weekend. There are 13 games left, 12 for us... Let’s see what Girona and Real Madrid do this weekend.

The Barça coach the expanded on those views in his official post-match press conference in the media room at Lluís Companys.

Do you think you have a realistic chance of winning the league?

I think it’s still early to say, but yes. We’re not giving up. We’ve taken 13 points out of the last 15, so we have to believe until the end. I think there we could have a chance to win the league. We’re putting pressure on Girona and Madrid. We can only take care of our own games. We always believe in what we’re doing. I think we’ve found ourselves again at home. We really needed a good home game. There’s still time. In the Champions League, everything is open, it will be the toss of a coin, and we still have time.

Xavi: No regrets over decision to leave Barcelona

Do you think things can fall into place for you to do it (winning the league)?

That’s the first positive assumption that’s been put to me in two and a half years. Thank you.

Aren’t you sad you’ve announced you’re leaving at the end of the season?

No, quite the opposite. The decision is totally the right one because the team has taken a step forward. I’m completely convinced by my decision. Not for me, but for the club. And I want to sincerely thank the fans for being by my side.