Xavi insists Barcelona are 'on the right track' despite Clasico defeat

Barcelona coach Xavi said he was ‘proud’ of his team’s efforts and performance against Real Madrid in Wednesday night’s Supercopa de Espana semi-final, despite suffering defeat.

Barça twice cancelled out Real leads during 90 minutes at Camp Nou, before a Federico Valverde goal proved to be the difference between the clubs in extra-time.

The Catalans are 17 points behind their fierce rivals in La Liga, but Xavi is adamant that the club is now on the ‘right track’, two months into his tenure in charge.

“We can be proud of the game we played,” the coach said, via Marca.

“We dominated many phases,” he added. “They took advantage of our mistakes not stopping counterattacks, which we had discussed. We leave with pride, but certainly sad about the result…a very bad feeling for the defeat, but proud for the game and for dominating the opponent.

“We lack patience and responsibility. It's been two months, but we're on the right track. We need that turning point to go up.”

Xavi explained that he could have ‘no complaints’ about the commitment shown by his players. However, he stressed that positive results have to start coming and is glad that there is now going to be more competition for places in the squad due to players coming back from injury.

"I have no complaints about the players, because of their commitment. They all want to play and some of them are very young. But it's about time we get results,” he said.

“We recovered people and now it is more difficult to make the lineup. Ferran, Ansu, who has made a difference, Pedri. They have given good feelings and will make a difference.”

For more from Jamie Spencer, follow him on Twitter and Facebook!