There’s No Crisis At Real Madrid - Xavi

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Copa del Rey: Xavi - Barcelona-Valencia (Marca)

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As the clash between Spain’s two Leviathans draws ever closer, preparations have intensified at both Barcelona and Real Madrid ahead of Saturday’s El Clasico showdown.  

As Los Blancos begin to slowly haul themselves out of their crisis following the arrival of Juande Ramos as their new coach, there’s still a certain level of scepticism as to whether or not they have really overcome their problems.

One Blaugrana player who doesn’t believe that there are any problems to begin with at the capital club is midfield maestro, Xavi.

“Barca and Madrid always have this balance. When one is doing well, the other is struggling and this is what is happening to them at the moment,” he was quoted as saying by Marca.

“But their situation is not as serious as it seems. I do not believe they are in a crisis.

“They are a team who will always recover. Two years ago, they were in a similar situation and they bounced back to win La Liga,” he added.

The 28-year-old then quickly turned the attention onto his own team.

“What matters most for us is that we focus on what’s happening here at Barcelona, not what’s happening in the capital.

“We are going through our best form and we have a winning dynamic and that is what I believe is affecting them.

“We are playing well and we have put together a number of victories in La Liga but we want to consolidate our position and maintain our upward momentum,” he stressed.

Finally, Xavi touched on the impending subject of revenge, especially after the Blaugrana were humiliated 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu back in May this year and were forced to perform the pasillo (corridor, or guard of honour) for their nemesis.

“In football, there is always the thought and the possibility of revenge.

“But whenever we play Madrid, there’s no need to use vengeance as a source of motivation.

“We have enough of our own desire to beat them. It’s not necessary to remember the pasillo,” he concluded.

KS Leong, Goal.com