The Xavi Hernandez managerial era with Barcelona kicked off with a narrow 1-0 win over Espanyol in La Liga play.

This edition of the Barcelona derby sure turned out to be a match of two halves. Barca had its way in possession over the first half as it created multiple high-percentage goal-scoring opportunities and was also able to constantly win the ball back with ease due to its stout high-pressing system. However, Espanyol managed to create key chances over the late stages of the match, which made for one thrilling finish.

Following the match, the new Barca manager provided for a simple reaction to this stress-filled fixture.

“We have suffered, it’s clear,” Xavi said.

In the big picture, Xavi is pleased with this win for Barca, especially as it came into this fixture with four straight winless results in league play. Still, he sees that there is still plenty of room for improvement across the board with the team.

“I'm happy and I think it's a deserved victory,” Xavi said. “What could not fail, which was the attitude, did not fail. It's difficult to attack a line of five, plus a line of four plus their striker with our pivot. But we generated chances.

“We still have some young players who are not yet fully proficient in the game. But I am very happy. But we have to improve a lot. We should have gone for possession and had more personality. I don't think the physicality is not a problem, it was a footballing problem.”

Many have already counted out Barca in La Liga, as it currently sits at eight points behind current first place side Sevilla. But for Xavi, he believes that there is still much time to get back into the league title race.

“We are far away, but there are still some games left,” Xavi said. “I'm optimistic and why shouldn't we fight for La Liga. In previous leagues, we have fought for titles. But because of attitude, effort and sacrifice we have to go up. And I am optimistic. We are going to see.”

For now, Barca will return to UEFA Champions League group stage play with the home fixture against Benfica this Tuesday.