'Dagger in the heart' - Xavi claims Barcelona have lost their 'soul' without Gavi as he issues defiant response to sack talk

The Blaugrana boss has seen pressure on him ramp up in recent weeks, particularly after crashing to a damning 4-1 loss to Real Madrid in the Supercopa final last weekend. That said, Xavi hasn't been afforded a full compliment of players, with star midfielder Gavi sidelined until the end of the season after tearing his ACL with Spain back in November.

And the Barca boss pointed to this absence in particular during Wednesday's press conference, telling reporters: "We lack Gavi's leadership, his heart. The injury to Gavi is a dagger in the heart. He is the soul of the team. That's the reality. The loss of [Marc-Andre] Ter Stegen as well, one of the captains. It's not an excuse, it's the reality."

The Spanish tactician remained resolute despite reports he has lost the Barcelona dressing room, adding: "The day they [the players] are no longer with me, I will leave. We have to wipe the slate clean. We have always believed. I have explained my reality and what I experience at the club. When they signed me in Qatar they told me it was one of the worst moments in history, and we are reviving it. I am calm, with three titles still to play for. With the same enthusiasm as the first day. But I understand the criticism. I know where I am."

Amid this turmoil, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola recently offered his public support, for which Xavi expressed his gratitude: "I thank Pep for his kind words, I have sent him a message. He knows how difficult it is to coach this club. We have to be united. Together we are strong, that's the motto."

It's not just Barcelona's dismal Supercopa showing that is cause for concern. Xavi's side sit a whopping eight points off the pace in La Liga and were again eliminated from the Champions League group stages this term. Facing a mounting economic battle at the club, Xavi also risks losing some of his key players, with star centre-back Ronald Araujo the latest to be linked with a move elsewhere.

Cup action continues for Xavi's men as they take on Unionistas de Salamanca in the Copa del Rey round of 16 on Thursday. It is thought that the Spaniard could introduce a number of La Masia graduates to play that match.