Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has insisted that the players need to accept responsibility for the club’s struggles rather than manager Xavi.
In the aftermath of Barcelona’s 5-3 defeat to Villarreal on Saturday, Xavi revealed that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
However, De Jong stated that the players are to blame and added that the team has full faith in Xavi and his coaching staff.
De Jong told DAZN: ‘It’s our fault, players’ fault — if it doesn’t work out it’s our fault’. ‘There is complete confidence in Xavi and the staff, they are doing a good job. This can’t happen and it’s our fault’.
It has been a challenging campaign so far for Barcelona, who are in third place in LaLiga, ten points adrift of leaders Real Madrid.
Frenkie de Jong says the Barcelona players must accept responsibility for the club’s struggles
De Jong says the Barcelona players still back Xavi, who is leaving at the end of the season
Although Xavi guided Barcelona to the LaLiga title last season, matters have been very different this campaign, with the team lacking consistency.
Barcelona had established a 3-2 lead against Villarreal but ended up losing 5-3 after conceding twice in stoppage time.
The loss followed on from Barcelona’s exit from the Copa del Rey, which was inflicted by Athletic Bilbao.
