Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has defended Xavi over his demise at Barcelona.

The Barca coach will step down at the end of the season.

De la Fuente said at journalists function: “I understand what Xavi is doing on the Barça bench.

"He won the League and the Super Cup in his first year, he did extraordinary but only one can win, in football you lose much more than you win.

"This year Real Madrid and Girona are there, who have been better. And Barcelona has had many problems with injuries and setbacks.

"Xavi has always been up to the task, he has shown great professionalism and great performance last year."