Xavi: I have a very good feeling, but if we don't win...

Barcelona will see Xavi take charge of his first match as their coach on the road against Villarreal on Saturday, and the Blaugrana coach has warned his players about the prospect of not winning the game.

With the Blaugrana still looking for his first goal from open play, Xavi knows that the pressure is on with patience beginning to wear thin, and will be out for the full three points at Estadio de la Ceramica.

"I can have a very good feeling, but tomorrow if we don't win," Xavi confessed, addressing the clash with Villarreal.

"I think we're on the right path, all we're missing is to be more daring in the three quarters of the field up front."

It comes as the initial optimism of Xavi's appointment begins to wane given the disappointing draw with Benfica and an underwhelming win over Espanyol.

"Everyone will think in their own way, I'm happy with the defence, the pressure after losing the ball, and we're missing the final third which is where games are lost," Xavi added.

"Daring more, getting to the box, daring with one-on-ones, but in general I'm quite satisfied with what I see on the pitch.

"We want to force our opposition into their own half and I think we're achieving that, but we have to score and win games."

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 reflected.

"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."

Barcelona could climb up the LaLiga Santander standings and back into the European places with a win.

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