Everyone knew that Xavi Hernández's coaching style was going to bring a change for Barcelona, and that change has seen the current Blaugrana boss admitting that his players were not capable to fulfill the task upon them at Allianz Arena.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, the Spanish coach spoke frankly about his team's elimination, and even if some of his players do not appreciate his words, he left no stone unturned when discussing the circumstances that saw his team surrendering the chance to play in the next round.
"We hardly put up a fight, we always want to dominate our rivals, and this time the exact opposite thing happened. We have to demand more from us because we are Barça. This has to be the turning point to change the way we do things here and a lot of what goes on around us. We have not been able to compete. This is the Champions (League), but this is what we have to offer right now. It is what it is," Xavi stated.
The former midfielder went on about how the team failed to live up to the task upon them, while adding that their performances in other competitions need to be better to offer a better result to their fans and their bosses.
"We wanted to compete in the Champions (League) and try to win it, but we were not a match for Bayern. We have to face this and recover our team because we have other tournaments to play. We have to increase the level of intensity and have more self-respect to accomplish that," the coach added.
Hernández went on to say that his experiences as a player could help Barcelona get out of their current funk. Nevertheless, having to play the knockout stage of the UEFA Europa League is not as appealing as having to play UEFA Champions League matches this season.
"I've seen a reality that I lived as a player. We must not settle with such a performance, we have to ask more of ourselves. It is what it is. We have to work to put Barcelona where it belongs, and that is not the Europa League. I hoped we could put up a match, but Bayern were way better than us. I leave this ground pi**ed. This is our reality and it really gets to me. We have to face the music and we will fight to bring Barcelona back to where it belongs," the coach concluded.
Barcelona will now have to wait until December 13 to know which team they will be facing in the Round of 32 of the UEFA Europa League.
