'A step backwards' - Xavi fires warning to his Barcelona players ahead of La Liga run-in

Last week Barcelona fell 4-2 against Girona, who overtook the Catalan side in the La Liga table to take control of the fight for second place. Xavi, who recently made a U-turn on his decision to leave Barcelona this summer, has now called on his players to avoid finishing third and 'taking a step backwards'.

Speaking to the media, Xavi said [via The Athletic]: “It would be a setback, a step backwards, if we don't get second place now. It's a vital match, there are four games left. It would mean a lot to us.

“We have another chance to get second place due to Girona's draw. It's a great opportunity, we're playing at home against an opponent of an extraordinary level.

“Imanol has been doing an incredible job for years. They generate a lot, they do a lot of things well because of him. A tough opponent who will surely make it very difficult for us.

“We've been training well, the team is eager and ready to go.”

Luckily for Barcelona, Girona dropped points on Saturday evening and have now afforded Xavi's men the chance to retake the second spot in the league with Real Madrid already having the league title by a massive margin over the two Catalan clubs. Michel Sanchez's team currently sit on 75 points, two ahead of Barcelona, who have a game in hand.

The Catalan side will be in action later today when they take on Imanol Alguacil's Real Sociedad at home. A win would see them overtake Girona and hold a one-point lead over the surprise Champions League qualifiers.