Barcelona head coach Xavi has asked his players to motivate themselves in the aftermath of their 0-1 loss against Rayo Vallecano in the LaLiga on Sunday, 24 April. Barcelona, who were enjoying an exceptional run of form under their new manager and club legend, have faltered in April, getting knocked out of any cup winning run.

It started with Barcelona’s shocking loss to Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, and since then, Barcelona have lost three straight games at the Camp Nou – their worst form at home in the club’s history.
“We were all fired up with the great run in the league and the Europa League,” Xavi told reporters in Spain.

Having been knocked out of title chances in Spain and in Europe, Xavi has urged players and the fans to keep themselves motivated for the second spot in the league – the best Barcelona can achieve under the circumstances.

He stated that Barcelona’s league position will decide the club’s Champions League aspirations next season and that they want to hear the CL music back at Camp Nou.

Barcelona have been synonymous with the Champions League for many years but were knocked out of the spot after their horror streak under former manager and another club legend Ronald Koeman.

“I understand it’s not as motivating for the fans and players to fight for second place. But we have to be in the Champions League, we want to hear the Champions League music next season,” Xavi said.

“There is a lot at stake. In Barcelona’s history it’s about coming first, but we have to understand and motivate ourselves to finish second,” he further added.

Barcelona will take on Mallorca on Sunday, hoping to stay in second position with Sevill and Atletivo Madrid breathing down their necks.