Barcelona coach Xavi said on Saturday it was now the 'moment of truth' for his side who are on a roll of six wins in all competitions with an away match at Athletic Bilbao in LaLiga and a Champions League return game at home to Napoli.
"It's the perfect game to match them in intensity and rhythm. Against Getafe, we rediscovered our game. Against Athletic, we have to do the same." #AthleticBarça
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 2, 2024
- 𝗫𝗮𝘃𝗶 - pic.twitter.com/xbCBjCmBmE
Many had written off Barca's hopes of retaining their Liga title with Xavi announcing he would leave his post at the end of the season after a run of bad results in January.
But even a week is a long time in football.
"We are much better than a few matches ago, we have good feelings and this is the moment of truth," said the 44-year-old former Barca midfielder.
"To measure ourselves against direct rivals as the Champions League approaches, this is the decisive moment," he told a press conference.
Barcelona are eight points behind leaders Real Madrid after Real drew two games and Girona lost two, with 12 games yet to play in LaLiga.
"If we win, it'll be a big step forward," Xavi said, while fifth-place Athletic Bilbao are undefeated at home since the first day of LaLiga against Real Madrid.
Bon diaaaa!!! pic.twitter.com/pQnseZ2kPW
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 2, 2024
Sunday will be "a day to find the continuity in our game which we are lacking," added Xavi, brushing aside questions about his future with "today nothing has changed, it's not an issue".
Sunday will be "a day to find the continuity in our game which we are lacking," added Xavi, brushing aside questions about his future with "today nothing has changed, it's not an issue".