EL Clasico will be huge test and one which will show us where we are, proclaims Xavi Hernandez
Barcelona face Real Madrid in the Supercoppa semi-final
|Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez believes that the Spanish Supercopa semifinal against Real Madrid will be the perfect game to see just how far the La Liga giants have progressed under him. The Barca legend took control of the team in November and have slowly climbed up the La Liga table since.
After a very poor start to the season that saw Barcelona drop well behind their top-four rivals and well outside the title race, it saw Ronald Koeman lose his job. Xavi Hernandez was eventually appointed as his replacement although things under the Spaniard have been far from perfect. Yet, somehow, Barcelona have found form and have managed to sneak back into the race for the top four.
But the club have yet to be tested although they face Real Madrid next, in the Spanish Supercopa semi-final and the Los Blancos are everyone’s favourites to go through. However, it saw Xavi Hernandez admit that the game is a massive chance for the Camp Nou side to show the world how things have gone against a top opponent. Not only that, he added that anything could happen in an El Clasico and that is what his side need to count on.Â
"This game is a huge opportunity to reach a final and it could be a turning point for us. Madrid are the most in-form side in Spain, the league table shows that, but this is another competition. The Clasico is always unpredictable," Xavi said, reported ESPN.
"I've experienced Clasico games when Barcelona have been huge favourites but then lost and vice versa. We're a team in construction but we're trying to do things right. Madrid are in good form but it means nothing. We will try to be ourselves and impose ourselves on the game."
"Reaching the final would represent a point of inflexion. But whatever happens, we will be realistic. It's an important game and a huge test, one which will show us where we are after [two months in charge]."
