Barcelona Looking For 'patience' Despite Spending Spree
Muhammad Rameez Published August 19, 2022 | 02:00 PM
Madrid, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Aug, 2022 ) :Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez called for "patience" after his side's draw with Rayo Vallecano in their season opener, but will know the team are expected to challenge for the La Liga title this season after a raft of high-profile signings.
Barca struggled in front of goal in the disappointing stalemate at the Camp Nou last weekend and face a tricky trip to Real Sociedad on Sunday.
Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Andreas Christensen all made their debuts from the start against Rayo and Franck Kessie made his first competitive appearance for the club as a substitute.
Barcelona, who have struggled financially in the last two years, are also waiting to be able to register France defender Jules Kounde after his arrival from Sevilla.
But Xavi has called for calm from supporters as he looks to bed in the new players.
"I understand the disappointment, the expectations are really high," Xavi said after the Rayo game.
"We will have to analyse the game, improve and continue to believe in the style of play.
"Rayo defended well. It was harder for us to create than usual.
"It's a shame because we wanted to show the fans that we are on the right track. It is disappointing, but we ask for patience and for people to believe in this team." Xavi helped turn the Catalan giants' fortunes around last season, leading them to a second-placed finish after taking over with their top-four hopes in doubt.
Barca still ended 13 points adrift of champions Real Madrid, who started their title defence with a come-from-behind victory at Almeria.
Carlo Ancelotti's Champions League winners play their second straight away game, taking on Celta Vigo on Saturday.
Real trailed newly-promoted Almeria for much of their first match of the campaign until Lucas Vazquez's equaliser, before David Alaba came off the bench to score the winner with his first touch from a free-kick.
The most impressive performance from one of the title hopefuls came from Atletico Madrid.
Alvaro Morata scored twice in a comfortable 3-0 win at Getafe as Diego Simeone's side, who won the title in 2021, laid down an early marker.
The Spain striker, who spent the past two seasons on loan at Juventus, has been linked with a possible move away from the Estadio Metropolitano, with Manchester United reportedly interested.
"Everyone at the club hopes he continues," said Simeone.
"He is working very well, in an extraordinary way. I think that all footballers need to have confidence to do important things.
"He came back with great humility and wanting to work." Atletico host Villarreal, who also won 3-0 last weekend against Real Valladolid, on Sunday.
Japan's Kubo marked his debut for Real Sociedad with the only goal in their victory at Cadiz last week. The 21-year-old was signed from Real Madrid last month after loan spells at Real Mallorca, Villarreal and Getafe. Kubo will be hoping to impress on Sunday against Barcelona, where he featured as a youth player.
Stats 7: Visits since Barcelona last lost at Real Sociedad, having previously gone eight games without a victory in San Sebastian.
3: New Sevilla signing Tanguy Nianzou could become only the third player born in the 21st century to play in three of Europe's top five leagues, after Moise Kean and Ethan Ampadu.
Fixtures (all times GMT) Friday Espanyol v Rayo Vallecano (1800), Sevilla v Real Valladolid (2000) Saturday Osasuna v Cadiz (1530), Real Mallorca v Real Betis (1730), Celta Vigo v Real Madrid (2000) Sunday Athletic Bilbao v Valencia (1530), Atletico Madrid v Villarreal (1730), Real Sociedad v Barcelona (2000)MondayElche v Almeria (1800), Girona v Getafe (2000).
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Mired in crisis, Boeing reports another loss
Session Awarding Ceremony 2024 held at Cadet College Muzaffarabad
Austrian ski great Hirscher to make comeback under Dutch flag
Pakistan, Japan agrees to convene 'Economic Policy Dialogue'
FM Dar conveys deepest sympathy on torrential rains devastation in UAE
Spain PM Sanchez says weighing resignation after wife's graft probe
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results - 1st update
Long-lost Klimt portrait auctioned off for 30 mn euros
Osaka seals first win on clay since 2022 in Madrid
Earthquake jolts Karachi
Sindh minister orders operation after attack on police in Ghotki
TikTok to fight US ban law in courts
More Stories From Sports
-
Austrian ski great Hirscher to make comeback under Dutch flag
2 hours ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results - 1st update
2 hours ago -
Osaka seals first win on clay since 2022 in Madrid
2 hours ago -
Watford hire Cleverley as permanent boss
2 hours ago -
Karachi, Lahore, Multan win matches of National Women’s Cricket Tournament
3 hours ago -
No communication gap among players, asserts Babar Azam
3 hours ago
-
Bracewell looks ahead to Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan
3 hours ago -
Bolt named ICC Men’s T20 WC 2024 ambassador
4 hours ago -
Kewell's Yokohama beat Ulsan to reach Asian Champions League final
5 hours ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results
5 hours ago -
Advisor Sports hands over Rs500,000 to prominent Martial Art Athlete Irfan Mehsud
5 hours ago -
Muhammad Rizwan, Mohammad Irfan Khan ruled out of T20I series against New Zealand
5 hours ago