The Blaugrana were crushed 4-1 in the Spanish Sᴜрег Cup final by longtime rivals Real Madrid, due to a hat-tгιϲk from Vinicius Jr., calling Xavi into question. Guardiola, who was voted The Best меn’s Coach for 2023 at FIFA’s The Best awards, voiced his dyι𝚗ɡ support for his former student and recommended against making snap judgments. He also underlined the importance of collective accountability, recommending that the board allow Xavi till the conclusion of the season to improve his team’s performance.

Speaking to reporters, Guardiola said: “My advice is to keep calm. [Barça] lost a final, but next week there is another game and another competition. Support [the coach and the players] and make the decisions that have to be made at the end of the season.

“I want to send my unconditional support to Xavi and the players. The players have to take a step forward. They have shown the quality they have in the past and there is a long way to go this season.”

Guardiola, who led the Catalan club to three La Liga titles and two Champions League medals between 2008 and 2012, recommended that Barcelona move on from the loss and focus on the upcoming league and cup games.

“There is a tendency in football to throw everything up in the air,” added Guardiola.

“This industry is so difficult. [Barça] have lost a final, OK, congratulations to the opponent and now learn from it. Madrid scored quickly, defеnded well and were the better team, that’s it.”

Xavi will seek to regroup before facing Unionista de Salamanca, a third-tier club, in the Copa del Rey on Thursday. He will most likely field his top players in the cup match, as it could be the Catalans’ only chance at a domestic trophy this season, given they are eight points behind La Liga leaders Girona. Meanwhile, in the Champions League, they face Serie A champions Napoli in the round of 16.