Saturday 31 January 2015 16:00, UK
Barcelona captain Xavi has insisted there was never any crisis at the club as they prepare to go in search of an eighth straight win in their match against Villarreal at the Nou Camp on Sunday night.
Only a few weeks ago Barca's defeat to Real Sociedad was followed by the departure of sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta, fevered speculation over the future of Lionel Messi and claims of discord among the players and coaching staff.
But seven wins have followed and all of that seems long forgotten in the wake of two wins over Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey and a 6-0 rout of Elche last weekend.
Asked about the turnaround in fortunes, Xavi insisted nothing has changed except the results.
"Everything is based on results," he said on the club's website. "Now it seems that everything is wonderful. It's great for the whole team.
"We're united and hungry. Things always happen in the dressing room, they'll continue to happen, and I think it's good that they happen. The team has moved on and doesn't care about it anymore."
Villarreal should provide tough opposition as they arrive unbeaten in 18 matches.
Barca will meet Villarreal not only in the league but also the Copa del Rey semi-finals after the Yellow Submarine saw off Getafe in the quarter-finals.
Gerard Moreno got the only goal in the second leg to help them through, and the Catalan now has his sights set on Barca.
"We are 18 games unbeaten and I think we can go further," he said. "Now at the Nou Camp we will go for the win."
Xavi, 35, was linked with a move away from Barcelona last summer, but is satisfied he made the right decision to stay with the club still in the hunt in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.
"I made the right call," he said. "Now the most important thing is the team and I'll have later to decide my future. The most important thing is the team is alive in all three competitions."
