Xavi: 'Real has a bigger squad than Barca many times'

"We have to strengthen ourselves a lot more to be competitive," Xavi told Marca newspaper on July 31. "I have a lot of faith in the squad, but Barca need more."

This summer, Barca just recruited three rookies. In particular, midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and midfielder Inigo Martinez are on free transfers, while midfielder Oriol Romeu was bought for $ 3.8 million from Girona. In the opposite direction, last season's La Liga champions released Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Samuel Umtiti, and sold Alex Collado to Betis and Nico Gonzalez to Porto.

According to Marca, Xavi is in need of strengthening the right-back position. Joao Cancelo, who recently returned to Man City after his loan contract with Bayern expired, could be a target. Barca also needs to strengthen the attack in case Ousmane Dembele leaves. PSG are looking to buy Dembele to replace Kylian Mbappe.

While Barca is still having financial difficulties, rival Real has spent $ 110 million to buy midfielder Jude Bellingham from Dortmund. The Madrid team also surpassed Barca to buy "Turkish Messi" Arda Guler from Fenerbahce, for $ 22 million.

"Real have a much bigger squad than us," Xavi said. "They have added more players and have more squad options than us."

The summer transfer window will end on September 1. During the US tour, before the 3-0 win against Real, Barca lost to Arsenal 3-5. Xavi's teachers and students also met AC Milan on August 1 and returned to Spain to compete for the Joan Gamper Cup with Tottenham on August 8. The La Liga champion will defend the crown from the away match at Getafe on August 13.

Xavi was once one of the best players in Barca history. As a midfielder, he contributed to eight La Liga, three King's Cups, four Champions Leagues and two trebles for the Camp Nou team. Xavi returned as Barca coach from November 2021. He led Barca to second La Liga 2021-2022, before winning La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup next season.