Results change everything here: Xavi

Madrid, Jan 31 (IANS/EFE) FC Barcelona captain and Spanish midfielder Xavi Hernandez has said that his team should not be judged solely on results, contending that the Catalans did actually play well in the match they lost 0-1 to Real Sociedad at Anoeta stadium Jan 4.

Xavi spoke to the press Friday, declaring: "The results have changed. If we had won at Anoeta even 2-1, we would be leaders. Results change everything here. It's a shame but it's true."

Barca consecutively won seven matches since the loss to Real Sociedad, three of which were victories against Atletico Madrid.

Xavi explained that the team was "happy about having qualified for the Copa del Rey semifinals after eliminating such a strong rival as Atletico," adding that the next match will be against Villarreal, a strong team as well.

"We weren't that bad before and we're not that good now. We're on the right track," he said.

The captain of the Blaugrana squad wanted to avoid commenting on the controversial statements made by his French colleague Jeremy Mathieu, in which the latter confirmed that a violent argument had taken place between the team's star Lionel Messi and manager Luis Enrique.

Xavi did not deny the incident, saying: "These are situations that happen over the course of a season. It has zero importance. The issue is closed. We are all united and we are all motivated. There is a fantastic atmosphere. Mathieu's words won't affect anything," the player added.

--IANS/EFE

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