Araujo, Cancelo react after Barcelona 3-5 Villarreal: “We are all with Xavi”

Barcelona endured another night to forget as they succumbed to a surprise 3-5 defeat to Villarreal at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys today in La Liga.

Having been trailing by two goals, the Blaugrana fought their way back into the game and took the lead through strikes from Ilkay Gundogan, Pedri, and an Eric Bailly own goal.

However, Villarreal equalised again through Goncalo Guedes before Barcelona lost the plot in stoppage time and conceded two late goals from Alexander Sorloth and Jose Luis Morales, ending up on the losing side.

The result leaves Barça ten points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid, who beat Las Palmas 2-1 earlier on Saturday.

Araujo backs Xavi after defeat

Having expressed his trust in Xavi Hernandez after the midweek defeat against Athletic Club, Ronald Araujo once again stated that he and the rest of the squad continued to have full faith in the manager and his staff.

Speaking to DAZN, he said: “Of course, we are with Xavi. Since he arrived he has helped us a lot. It’s not like we came from nothing, last season we won La Liga playing well.”

Further defending his manager, Araujo added: “When Xavi arrived, he had a team that was in the shambles. A team that had lost its DNA, that didn’t play with the philosophy. Xavi came and brought back the identity, the desire, what it means to represent this shirt.”

The defender then placed the blame of Barcelona’s current situation on the players, as he said: “The players are very much to blame for what is happening because we are the ones on the pitch… I mean, what can Xavi do with a play that you miss in front of the goal? Nothing!”

Urging the team to look forward, the Uruguayan stated: “We have to get up, there is still a long season to go.”

On the La Liga title race, he said: “You have to have hope with La Liga. As long as it is mathematically possible you have to work hard…. The young players are adding and they are helping us a lot.”

“We are still alive in the…

Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/araujo-cancelo-react-after-barcelona-3-5-villarreal-we-are-all-with-xavi/

Author : Michel Durant

Publish date : 2024-01-27 20:51:17

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