Barcelona coach Xavi defends Memphis lack of goals | OneFootball

Barcelona coach Xavi has defended Memphis Depay over his struggling goalscoring form.

Some have compared Xavi's start at Camp Nou to that of Pep Guardiola, who picked up one point from his first two games against Numancia and Racing Santander in 2008/09.

"The summary of the game isn't a lack of goals, it's a lack of bravery, but it happened to me when I was 18 too, that's why the coaches and analysts are here," Xavi said ahead of meeting Villarreal.

"The start in 2008 wasn't easy, it was difficult at the start, and I think this is difficult too, but the players are getting the hang of it."

Many have pointed to the poor form of the team's forwards, with Memphis Depay's penalty the only goal scored since Xavi's arrival.

"If they are [lacking confidence], they have my confidence," the coach responded.

"If they lose the ball in that area, it doesn't matter, we'll get it back with a high press. I believe that it's more a lack of bravery than of confidence."