Barcelona Not Favourites For La Liga But Could ‘Win Every Title’ – Xavi

Xavi, the manager of Barcelona, acknowledges that his team might “win every trophy” that is possible but claims that they are not the favorites to win Liga in 2022–2023.

The Catalan giants had a successful weekend thanks to Real Madrid’s surprise 1-0 loss to Mallorca, which followed their 3-0 win over Sevilla at home.

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Xavi hopes his club can continue to compete on several fronts this season as Barca currently leads the league by eight points, has advanced to the semifinals of the Copa del Rey and the knockout play-off stage of the Europa League.

Xavi told reporters when asked where Barcelona stand at this stage of the season: “I see ourselves as candidates to win the league, but the favourite is always the defending champion. It’s Madrid, and we can’t lower our intensity at any moment. They can beat anyone.

“This team has the capacity to win every title we’re competing for. But we can’t only say it, we have to show it. Words mean nothing.

“There have been crazy comebacks in La Liga before. We have to avoid that at all costs. I still don’t think we’re the favourites for La Liga.

“We’re only in February, and we have any tough matches upcoming. The euphoria is nice, but we have to be cautious.”

It took Barca 58 minutes to finally break Sevilla’s defense, with Brazilian winger Raphinha playing a key role in doing so.

Raphinha scored one goal and set up another for Gavi, proving why the club decided to keep him at Camp Nou in January. Regarding the former Leeds star, Xavi said: “I was already satisfied with Raphinha’s performances, even when he wasn’t scoring nor assisting.

“He gives us a lot, and he’s an essential player for the team. Raphinha is starting to provide goals and assists. He’s outdoing himself, but he’s been doing well all season.”

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Barcelona will return to action the following Sunday when they travel to Villarreal, and the victory there will advance them to the first leg of a grueling semifinal matchup with Manchester United in the Europa League.