<<Print>>

Barcelona boss Xavi has seen questions asked of his future after his side's damning 4-1 defeat to rivals Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana final.

The loss has reportedly started ringing alarm bells in Catalonia as to Xavi's continuance at the club and Joan Fontes of Bar Cantales has claimed that the leadership at Barcelona, including President Joan Laporta and Sporting Director Deco, have started losing faith in the former midfield superstar. The report also claims that Deco has started questioning the signing of Manchester City's treble-winning captain, Ilkay Gundogan.

Despite the reports from Fontes, Mundo Deportivo and SPORT, the two leading Catalan news outlets, have claimed that the leadership at the club are fully sure of Xavi and are behind him. They believe he is still the right man for the job despite their Clasico thrashing.

After the match, Deco spoke to the media about the loss. He said (via Toni Juanmarti): "It's a tough defeat. Furthermore, we have not been able to fight. We have to continue and think about the Cup."

Pressed on Xavi's future, the sporting director quelled rumours of his sacking, as he explained: "This question doesn't make any sense. The coach continues to have everyone's trust. It is a defeat that does not change anything in that aspect."

There is not a lot of time for Xavi to recuperate his squad before their clash against Unionista de Salamanca, a third-tier side, in the Copa del Rey on Thursday, January 18. Xavi will likely field a full-strength squad as the cup could be the Catalan side's only shot at a trophy this season.