Xavi admitted that Barcelona are suffering from a “confidence” crisis after handing Antwerp their first ever Champions League win on Wednesday.
The Blaugranas succumbed to their second defeat in a space of three days.
However, this has sent the alarm bells ringing at the Catalan club.
They were condemned to a 3-2 defeat by Antwerp in the Champions League which has put Xavi firmly under the scanner.
However, Antwerp had not tasted success in their debut Champions League campaign until goals from Arthur Vermeeren, Vincent Janssen and then George Ilenikhena in stoppage time helped them script a memorable win over the Spanish giants.
Although Barcelona qualified for the knockouts as group winners the two successive defeats led Xavi to admit that his troops are lacking the confidence and inspiration required to turn around the situation.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Xavi said: “I don’t like to criticise my players.
“I don’t think it’s positive, but they have to cheer up.
“They have more than what they are showing.
“Again, we had some important individual mistakes here tonight.
“Last Sunday we played a good game. Tonight, the feeling is not good.
“Also, it’s a matter of confidence. The coaching staff is giving the players full confidence.
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“We have rotated and given a chance to players.
“Now it’s a matter of being inspired, and right now we’re not.
“Barcelona’s shirt has a lot of weight, there’s added pressure, and players need to deal with it.”
