Barcelona’s coach, Xavi Hernandez, said on Wednesday his belief that his team’s season may again undergo a significant turning point in the event of a probable Spanish Super Cup victory.
At the halfway point of La Liga, the Spanish champions are mired in third place, seven points behind leaders Real Madrid and Girona.
In the Spanish Super Cup semifinals on Thursday, Barcelona takes on Osasuna in Riyadh. The final matchup on Sunday may pit Barcelona against Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona, the record 14-time Spanish Super Cup champions, won their first title under Xavi last season in Saudi Arabia. It was a crucial occasion to demonstrate that his idea was moving forward.
At a press conference, Xavi said, “I hope (it can be a turning point), I hope we find consistency.”
“We hold Osasuna in high regard, and it seems that we are the favorites. This is a knock-out match, so we need to demonstrate our will to get to the championship.
“Last year it was perfect for us, it gave us confidence and stability.”
The Catalans won ten of their next eleven league games after moving back to Spain last season, ultimately winning La Liga.
Ronald Araujo, a defender, similarly thinks that Barca’s hopes of salvaging their dismal start to the season may depend on their ability to win the Super Cup once again.
The Uruguayan center defender said, “The Super Cup was a turning point last year; we want it to be the same this year — it’s a trophy and we want to win it.”
The Catalans’ poor defensive performance this year stands in striking contrast to their Liga triumph the previous season, which was built on an excellent back line.
Barcelona has allowed 22 goals in La Liga so far this season, compared to only 20 goals allowed throughout the whole 2022–2023 campaign.
“(We need) to be more effective in both boxes, in defence and attack, to concede fewer goals,” Araujo stated.
“We’re working to correct errors in defence, it’s something that helped us a lot last season, letting in few goals.”
Araujo said he was solely considering Barcelona, despite recent media claims linking him with a move to German champions Bayern Munich.
“Rumours always come out in transfer windows, I’m focused on Barca and I prove it every time I put this shirt on,” said the 24-year-old.
“Something momentous”
Jagoba Arrasate, the coach of Osasuna, was thrilled by his team’s debut in the tournament.
The coach said, “It’s something historic for the club.”
“It’s a short competition with tough opponents, but we hope that we can win tomorrow.”
Arrasate said that Xavi’s team deserved recognition even if Barcelona wasn’t playing at their best.
“In these games they grow, and they are the reigning champions,” he said.
“I want to win tomorrow, and in order to win, we need to see the best Osasuna we can muster, strive for perfection, and cause discomfort for Barcelona.
“Let’s think that tomorrow could be a magical night.”
Arrasate and David Garcia, the defender for Osasuna, expressed their disappointment that a large number of the club’s supporters were unable to go to Saudi Arabia.
“It’s what upsets me the most, not to be able to have all the ‘Rojillos’ in the stands,” Garcia remarked.
“I hope to be able to earn them a victory and to be able to compete in the final.”
In the inaugural Super Cup semifinal on Wednesday, Real Madrid takes on Atletico.