Xavi backs Ansu Fati after Barcelona struggles continue against Espanyol

Barcelona manager Xavi has insisted he is not concerned by Ansu Fati's continued struggles for La Blaugrana.

The 20-year-old suffered a knee injury in November 2020 and then did not manage a constant run of games until April 2022 after setbacks and further fitness issues continued to plague his young career.

Since returning, Fati has bagged nine goals and four assists in 36 games, although he has still faced plenty of criticism for a number of below-average performances this season, the latest of which came in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Espanyol.

Fati started the game but was hauled off after a frustrating hour in which his poor performance stood out among a number of disappointing showings from Xavi's players.

After the game, however, the boss was keen to show his support to Fati.

“Ansu looks great, he has played because he is training very well, he has made a tremendous change in terms of defensive work," Xavi told a press conference.

"He has lacked the effectiveness that the team has also lacked, but I see him growing very well. He will be better."

Xavi acknowledged that Fati was one of many players who allowed their intensity to drop after an electric start to the game and promised fans that they would work to correct their shortcomings.

“We created chances until the 30th minute when we dropped off the pace and intensity. Looking at the game we should have won, Espanyol defended well but hardly generated anything, we had clear chances to make it 2-0," he said.

"We are angry with ourselves, we're all Barcelona fans. Football can be like this, playing better than the opposition but not winning. In many cases you cannot control it. I get angry with myself and the players are the same. We are all angry today."