Xavi accepts that his team deserved to win despite 1-1 draw with Napoli in the UEFA Champions League but confessed that his side lacked the "maturity" needed to get over the line in the first leg.
Barcelona took the lead of game with Robert Lewandowski's goal in the 60 minute which was assisted by Pedri but later Napoli managed to equalise through Victor Osimhen which was the only shot on target in the match in the 75 minute for Napoli.
Xavi speaks outs,
"It is a bittersweet feeling because we had the game in our hands," Xavi told the media after the game. "We played well. We defended well; Napoli didn't create much, but in the moment [after taking the lead] we lacked control when we needed to dominate, show personality and be aggressive."It's a shame. It was a good performance in general and I am proud of the image we have shown Europe. This is the Barca we want, but we lacked maturity to [manage the game].
"Maybe physically they were stronger than us in individual duels, but playing this way we have good chance of going through and will win more than we lose."
Xavi also praised Lewandowski for his return to form although the Polish international faced criticism for a drop in his performance levels from the audience.
"Lewandowski is playing for the team now," the Spaniard said. "He has taken a step forward. He's winning his individual battles, he's together with the team and pressing high.
"He's a natural leader and he wants to improve. He's helping a lot at the moment and it's more about that, the goals are a consequence of his good play."
Barcelona will host Napoli on Tuesday, 12th March 2024 for the return leg Estadio Olimpico Lluis Company Stadium because their common home Camp Nou is still under improvement.
Xavi also responds to this,
"Of course we miss Camp Nou," the boss confessed. "I said in pre-season it would be a difficult year away from the stadium. It's not same playing at [the Olympic Stadium] as Camp Nou, but it should not affect us. It's a shame because imagine the second leg at Camp Nou, it would be different - for us and the opposition."
Barcelona is back in action on Saturday this weekend where it will host Getafe in La Liga at 6:15pm. Barcelona sit the in third position of La Liga with fifty-four points.
