Barcelona boss Xavi cautions complacency after El Clasico win over Real Madrid
Xavi says his Barcelona side 'do not feel like champions' after going twelve points clear at the top of La Liga standings following their 2-1 El Clasico win over Real Madrid on Sunday.
Xavi Hernandez.<p>The match looked to be heading for a draw after Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo's own goal and then Sergi Roberto's equaliser on the stroke of half-time but Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessie popped up with a 92nd-minute winner worth its weight in gold for the Catalans.</p>
<p>Xavi felt his side dominated the encounter, had the better chances and he admitted that the result was 'very satisfying' but cautioned that there is still a long way to go. The Blaugrana must also still play Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad and Real Betis and Xavi urged his side not to be complacent.</p>
<p>"No [congratulations] because there are 12 games left," said the Spanish tactician.</p>
"It's a very important victory in a Clasico, it's deserved, we were the better team, dominating, generating clearer chances. I'm leaving very satisfied. The team gave everything. It's a very important victory for us. It gives us morale and confidence, because we were very good.
"It's not definitive. We don't feel like champions. It's a step forward and I'm very happy for the players. There's an extraordinary atmosphere. They're having an extraordinary season. They're players who suffer and I'm very proud of how they play, how life is going for them.
"In the dressing room, there is joy and satisfaction. Last year, we were 12 points behind. We have taken 15 points from Real Madrid since October. It is time to assess things. For now, we have only won the Super Cup. This league is the only extra thing that we can lose. We can't relax, there's still a lot of league left.
"I don't have the feeling that we are champions, but I understand why people are singing it. I understand the fans. It's given goosebumps. A perfect script. I'm so proud."
<p>The article <a href="https://www.planetsport.com/soccer/news/barcelona-boss-xavi-cautions-complacency-after-clasico-win-real-madrid">Barcelona boss Xavi cautions complacency after El Clasico win over Real Madrid </a> appeared first on Planetsport.com.</p>