"We weren't up to standard in the Champions League"

Barcelona are preparing for the return to La Liga action like the rest of the Spanish teams after the World Cup in Qatar. That means the coaches will be once again appearing in front of the media. Xavi Hernandez gave an interview to Barca's media channels in which he analysed the team's first half of the season and what he expects from the second half of the campaign. He believes that winning La Liga is the priority.
"We have to be critical of ourselves. We weren't up to standard in the Champions League. We needed to play better football, be more mature. We should have got through the group stages at least. I think in La Liga, we've competed very well. I really hope we can win La Liga this season. It would give us a bit of stability as a club. It's a priority for us. The break? We had players out for a long time. I think we'll get people back. There are six months ahead in which we're going to need everyone," he said.
When asked about the Europa League, he said: "We're very excited to be playing in it. It annoys me not being able to hear the Champions League anthem, but we have to go for it. We don't like it. It makes me angry and it's a very big disappointment. Against Bayern, we played like zombis, practically out of the tournament. The club have made an extraordinary effort and I'm aware that you have to win trophies. Fight for them. There's a very strong squad. A very good generation, with youngsters and then a global star in Lewandowski. I like responsibility."
He also talked about coaching former teammates of his: "I think it's an advantage. You know the player. You know if you have to cheer him up or give him more affection. The coach is a bit of a psychologist and you must know how to treat people. I try and be very honest. I know that many will get angry when they don't play. I can accept it when people put a face on, but not a bad attitude," He also said that "sometimes I have to shout or hit the table. It happened to me as captain as well" when making his point to the players.
Xavi also expressed his discontent with Lewandowski's suspension: "For me, it's a very unfair suspension. It's a way of interpreting touching a part of your body. But anyway, we've got alternatives. We have people to choose from, luckily. Let's hope we don't note his absence too much."
"Dembele? He makes the difference. If it's not every match, every two. He's a special player. There's no one like him. What we're trying to do is make sure he takes the right decision. We don't always get it because he goes at 200 (kilometres) an hour and he doesn't see the options available, but I think he's very important for us. I really love him. I've always trusted him," he added.