Pep Guardiola sends 'unconditional support' to beleaguered Barcelona boss Xavi and urges underperforming players to 'step forward' after Real Madrid Super Cup thrashing

The Blaugrana were thrashed 4-1 in the Spanish Super Cup final by eternal rivals Real Madrid, thanks to a hat-trick from Vinicius Jr., which has put Xavi under scrutiny. However, Guardiola, who was named The Best Men's Coach for 2023 at FIFA's The Best awards, expressed his unwavering support for his former pupil and advised against making hasty decisions. He also emphasised the need to take collective responsibility while suggesting that the board should give Xavi until the end of the season to turn his team's form around.

Speaking to reporters, Guardiola said: "My advice is to keep calm. [Barça] lost a final, but next week there is another game and another competition. Support [the coach and the players] and make the decisions that have to be made at the end of the season.

"I want to send my unconditional support to Xavi and the players. The players have to take a step forward. They have shown the quality they have in the past and there is a long way to go this season."

Guardiola, who led the Catalan club to three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies between 2008 and 2012, insisted that Barcelona should move on quickly from the loss and look ahead to the league and cup fixtures that are lined up.

"There is a tendency in football to throw everything up in the air," added Guardiola.

"This industry is so difficult. [Barça] have lost a final, OK, congratulations to the opponent and now learn from it. Madrid scored quickly, defended well and were the better team, that's it."

Xavi, who secured La Liga glory for Barcelona last season, anticipated that there would be criticism after losing silverware to Real Madrid. However, he has been assured that the board will not be taking any decisions in haste, with sporting director Deco claiming that it makes "no sense" to question the manager's future.

Xavi will look to regroup before taking on Unionista de Salamanca, a third-tier side, in the Copa del Rey on Thursday. He will likely field his best players in the cup fixture as the tournament could be the Catalan side's only shot at a domestic trophy this season since they find themselves eight points behind leaders Girona in La Liga. Meanwhile, in the Champions League, they have been pitted against Serie A champions Napoli in the round of 16.