We’re Much Better Than Last Season Despite Europa Exit – Xavi

Despite yet another Europa League elimination after losing to Manchester United, Xavi Hernandez insisted that Barcelona had been “far better.”

Barcelona took the lead in the match thanks to a penalty kick from Robert Lewandowski in the 17th minute, but goals from Fred and Antony in the second half helped United eliminate the La Liga heavyweights from this year’s Europa League.

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The Blaugrana have had difficulty winning in Europe over the past couple of seasons, and after failing to go past the group stage of the Champions League, they were forced to make do with a Europa League berth. Last April, Eintracht Frankfurt eliminated them in the quarterfinals, and this season, they were unable to get past the round of 16. Yet Xavi is sure that his team has improved from last season’s football.

“We have been much better than last season,” Xavi said after the loss.

“We came up against Bayern [Munich], Inter and Man Utd this time. These are big, powerful sides, but we were not good enough. We have improved, but it wasn’t enough. We will try again. We will be self-critical and try to be more competitive and look to improve in Europe.”

The Spaniard acknowledged that Pedri and Gavi were missed in midfield and believed that Fred’s equalizer just a few minutes into the second half was the game’s turning point.

“Their first goal did a lot of damage to us, coming from a 50-50 ball which we lost. We lost the individual duels in the second half. United played with a lot of intensity. It was more down to us, we lacked patience in the second half. If Pedri and Gavi are playing, I think the second half could have been different. It’s not looking for excuses, but the pause they play with, how they turn. It allows you to play in the opponent’s half. Sergi Roberto was good. [Franck] Kessie very good, like Frenkie [de Jong]. But for the way we play, they would have been really good for us here. That said, the first half was excellent and it’s a shame we are out,” he added.

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The Blaugrana will be back in action on Sunday against Almeria in La Liga.