Barcelona went down to rivals Real Madrid in their Copa del Rey semi-final, but that does not mean the Blaugrana should look on their season negatively. At least according to Sporting Director Jordi Cruyff, who feels that the Blaugrana are enjoying a good season on the whole.
Speaking to Sport after El Clasico, Cruyff declared that the season could still be considered a success so far, despite their cup travail.
“The season is very good. Given the situation in the league and especially where we come from, we cannot start looking for negative points. We understand the reasons why, for example, in Europe it has not gone well. It makes no sense make it public here.”
More specifically on their their struggles in the Copa del Rey.
“Today is against a rival that is one of the greats, current European and league champions and, above all, a team accustomed to comebacks.”
“Today they have done what they have seen in recent years, which they know how to do very well. And for our part take advantage of these games to analyze well, learn and above all correct, if possible, what we have to correct.”
Along a similar line of thought, Xavi declared that Real Madrid were the better team on the night, and Barcelona left them alive for too long.
Barcelona are setting an excellent pace in the league, comparable with some of the best ever. Yet their inability to take results in their cup competitions has been a major issue. While they remain successful in La Liga, it is likely to be forgiven by Barcelona fans. Yet next season the pressure will be on Xavi to make the Blaugrana far more secure in Europe especially.
