Xavi concerned Barcelona have fallen into 'negative dynamic' after Clasico defeat

Barcelona manager Xavi has confessed that his side have fallen into a real funk in recent weeks after a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid continued their miserable run.

Despite relative success in La Liga - this defeat was the team's first in the competition all season - poor performances in the Champions League have left Barcelona on the brink of near-certain elimination from the group stage, bringing the spotlight on Xavi's suitability to lead the team.

Falling to a comprehensive 3-1 defeat to their arch rivals on Sunday hardly helped raise spirits, and after the game, Xavi did not hide away from the fact that everything appears to be going wrong for Barcelona.

"The feeling is that we are in a negative dynamic," he said. "We tried. We have faith, self-esteem. We tried. Luckily, it's only three points. It was an opportunity to keep up with the leaders and we leave empty-handed.

"We have to change the dynamic. We were doing very well in La Liga. We're still under construction, but we have to improve a lot.

"We had Real Madrid back in their box. We had our moments, but we haven't made the most of it. Real Madrid are leaders. We're in a very negative dynamic that we have to change as quick as we did before.

"I don't think we were bad in the first half. We dominated. I believe we had our chances, but they were very good in the second half. We lacked a lot of force. If we want to win these games, we have to change our mentality. We are not in a positive dynamic. In the end, we found self-esteem but it wasn't enough. We are in a bad dynamic."

Scott Saunders, Graeme Bailey and Toby Cudworth are joined by Tom Gott in the latest episode of Talking Transfers. The team discuss Erling Haaland's Manchester City release clause, Mason Mount's future at Chelsea and their sporting director plans, and what the future could hold for 700-goal Cristiano Ronaldo at Man Utd. Available on all audio platforms.

If you can't see the podcast embed, click here to download the episode in full!

Asked what Barcelona need to do to respond to this rough patch, Xavi admitted his side need to find more maturity in intense moments.

"We've talked about the fact that the first goal cannot happen," he began. "Madrid took advantage of three counter-attacks.

"I'm worried that we didn't attack well, that we didn't take advantage of our moments. It wasn't a good day. We're in a bad dynamic and we have to change it now. We have to be more mature and compete much better.

"We have to learn the hard way. At this level, everything is even. We have to play much better.

"I won't blame the players. I'm responsible. I'll explain what happened. It's my mistake, specific errors. We have to change the dynamic, this is a long season."