Xavi made the passionate appeal to his players after Barcelona defeated struggling Sevilla 3-0 in a La Liga match played at Camp Nou on Sunday night
By Kehinde Okeowo
Barcelona boss, Xavi Hernandez has told his team not to take their feet off the gas in the race for the La Liga title this season despite going eight points clear of champions, Real Madrid.
The Catalans took full advantage of Real Madrid’s slip to extend their 5 points gap to eight after beating struggling Sevilla 3-0 at Camp Nou on Sunday.
Prior to the intriguing encounter, their main challenger and arch-rivals, Real Madrid had lost 1-0 to Real Mallorca on Saturday.
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Goals from Jordi Alba, Gavi, and Raphinha secured all three points for the hosts and left Xavi a very satisfied manager.
He said: “It was a key match because the teams below had lost. Real Madrid are eight points behind us and although it’s still early days, it’s an important distance.
“We always think about where we come from and now we are in a privileged situation. We like being leaders, having this advantage and the good feeling the team is giving us. We’ve played two very good games this week and that gives us a lot of confidence.”
The former Barcelona player, went on to urge his team not to take anything for granted despite going 8 points clear of the league champions, Real Madrid.
“I don’t know if we’re the most reliable team in the league. We are in a good moment, but this changes. We can’t relax. This is a long race and we have to keep working with humility. The team is buying into the message. We are building something very good, but nothing has been won. Only the Super Cup. We are hungry.” Xavi added.
The Catalans now have a rare week off before they return to action next weekend with a trip to Villarreal in La Liga.