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Xavi hailed Barcelona for saving a season that “could have been worse” but wants improvements next term from the Blaugrana, who Ousmane Dembele could play his last game for on Sunday.
Blaugrana great Xavi was appointed in November as the successor to Ronald Koeman, with Barca languishing in ninth in LaLiga after an underwhelming start to their 2021-22 campaign.
However, Xavi has reinvigorated Barca as the Catalan giants have climbed up to second in the league, albeit 13 points behind champions Real Madrid with one game left to play.
Barca conclude their campaign at home to Villarreal, and with second place already secured Xavi praised the recovery his side has made, but urged them to improve to compete with Madrid next season.
“We have saved a situation that could have been worse,” he told reporters at a pre-match news conference on Saturday. “We have gone from less to more. We have competed but it has not given us any reward. We have to win titles.
“I don’t give myself a grade because whatever is said will be criticised. We have improved a lot. I am the first to demand more from myself. From now on, we will look to improve further.
“We have to improve in every way – psychologically, physically, which we have already improved, and reinforce the squad with two players per position. And also tactically, so everyone understands our ideas.”
The game against Villarreal could prove to be Dembele’s last at Camp Nou as contract negotiations remain ongoing.
Bayern Munich and Chelsea are reported to be keen on the World Cup-winning winger, whose 11 LaLiga assists in 2022 is more than any other player has registered across Europe’s top five leagues.
Blaugrana president Joan Laporta has reiterated his desire to keep the France international at Barca, and Xavi hailed Dembele for his efforts in the second half of the season.
“It could be the last. You have to be optimistic. He has played excellent games and when he has not been involved we have noticed,” he said of the former Borussia Dortmund player.
Barca have won their last five games against Villarreal in LaLiga, and could register six wins in a row against them for the first time in the competition.
However, Xavi expects a tough task when his team host Unai Emery’s side, who made it to the Champions League semi-finals this season, where they were defeated by Liverpool.
“The result will be important. I would like to see a team with good feelings, bravery and finish with the best feelings,” he continued.
“Villarreal is the best team we have faced. They have a lot at stake, and are a difficult opponent. You have to have a personality that the fans come to enjoy. There will be chances and it will be a good show.”
Barca have confirmed Ronald Araujo will return to the squad after recovering from a head injury that caused him to spend a night in hospital following the game against Celta Vigo on May 10.
