Xavi On Barcelona's 1st Trophy After Messi's Departure: 'We're Creating A Team'

Head coach Xavi Hernandez has reacted to FC Barcelona's first trophy post-Lionel Messi's departure.

Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-1 in the final of the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday, which marked the Catalan club's first trophy in the post-Messi era and under their boss Xavi, who took over the charge in the middle of last season.

The La Liga leaders dominated the final at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh and within 33 minutes from the kick-off, Barcelona went 1-0 up as 18-year-old Gavi scored from Robert Lewandowski's pass.

Just before the half-time break, Gavi returned the favor and set up Lewandowski's goal to double Barcelona's lead. Gavi also assisted Pedri's goal in the second half before Karim Benzema struck a late consolation for Real Madrid.

Xavi heaped praise on Barcelona, saying the El Classico victory would take the pressure off a relatively young squad and set them up for a more positive future.

"This squad has received a lot of unfair criticism, and today many players have set themselves free. They will work more calmly. I've been here for so many years and I know how much players suffer when things don't go well. Today is the start of a new positive dynamic," Xavi told reporters.

Barcelona have bounced back well after they went trophy-less in the 2021-22 campaign, which was also their first season without Messi, who moved to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a free transfer.

Meanwhile, Xavi went on to add that if his side could beat Real Madrid comprehensively, they could fetch the same result against any club.

"I am very satisfied because I really like how we played. It is clear that winning conditions us because otherwise, we wouldn't have confidence. Today we didn't lose balls and the midfielders understood their assignments very well. We have played better. It is a title against Madrid and we have to be very proud. Leo's departure was difficult to digest. But we are creating a team," said Xavi.

Even in the 2022-23 La Liga title race, Barcelona are three points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid. Barcelona's last league victory came in the 2018-19 season.

"I am happy. I have to keep helping and keep guiding him. If we can do this against Madrid we can do it against anyone. This gives me peace of mind. It will stay with me for the rest of my life. I just hope it's not the last," added Xavi after Barcelona's 3-1 victory Sunday.

Barcelona's upcoming fixture is against third-tier club AD Ceuta in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 on Thursday. After this, the Catalans will host Getafe at Camp Nou in a La Liga match next Sunday.