Joan Laporta sends message to Barcelona boss Xavi following recent 'sporting disappointments'

The Catalan club hosted its Christmas dinner at the Palau Blaugrana, bringing together directors, coaches, and players. Laporta addressed the entire gathering and called for unity and support from the players and coach in the wake of the recent defeats in Spain and Europe.

Speaking at the event, Laporta said: "Despite the sporting disappointments that are also part of the world of sport, we will never give up as long as day after day we feel proud to represent the best club in the world. We will go out to compete in the four competitions; Super Cup, Cup, League and Champions League. I ask you to support, today more than ever, and more than ever these days, our players and our coach to accompany them along the way of victory. Together we can achieve it."

There have been reports in Spain which mention that Xavi is under intense pressure to deliver after two successive defeats in a span of three days to Girona in La Liga and Royal Antwerp in the Champions League. The dressing room is apparently losing faith in his tactician acumen and it is believed that four key players, including Robert Lewandowski, Ilkay Gundogan, Frenkie de Jong and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are unhappy with his methods.

Barcelona are currently in the fourth spot in La Liga and are already eight points behind surprising leaders Girona. Their upcoming match against Valencia on Sunday will be a test of their character and another defeat at Mestalla will raise further questions about Xavi's future at Camp Nou.