Xavi laments 'efficiency' problem in Barcelona attack

Xavi Hernandez has lamented Barcelona’s lack of ‘efficiency’ in front of goal following a tepid 0-0 draw with Girona in La Liga.

Barca had 18 shots and in the Easter Monday clash with mid-table Girona at Camp Nou, but failed to convert any of them – largely due to the fact that just three of said efforts on goal were on target.

Speaking to the press after the game, Xavi was honest with his assessment of his team’s attacking performance, admitting: “Girona were fighting for their life on the pitch. It’s frustrating, but I think we played well. We didn’t put away our chances and we have an efficiency problem.

“We have to criticise ourselves and create more chances, but the lack of effectiveness affected us.”

Xavi was also keen to call out critics who have labelled the current La Liga as the ‘worst version’ ever, saying: “I was watching a television program earlier today. They were saying that La Liga is cheap, and that makes me mad. The club is trying to win it, and I don’t like listening to that.

“They are saying that this is the worst version of La Liga, which is not true, and hurts us. I feel like whenever Barça wins something, people discredit it. If we win the league, we will celebrate it like we deserve to.”

With Pedri and Frenkie de Jong out injured, we have seen Barcelona’s key underlying issue rears its head in recent weeks – notably with the 0-0 draw against Girona and the 4-0 defeat to Real Madrid. While Barca’s starting XI has been exceptional at times this season, the lack of quality depth at Xavi’s disposal has proven an issue whenever any of his starting players are out injured.

In particular, Pedri’s absence has been felt recently. The team lack a real dynamic creative presence when the youngster is not available.