Beat Real Madrid in El Clasico – Laporta tells Xavi after Inter Milan draw

Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, has publicly managed Xavi Hernandez and urged him to beat Real Madrid on Sunday.

Despite their unbeaten start to the season in LaLiga, the Catalans are struggling in the Champions League after drawing 3-3 against Inter in midweek.

This leaves Barca in third place and in danger of dropping into Europa League.

Another difficult test awaits them as they visit Madrid for the first Clasico of the season.

But Laporta told Barca TV: “I always talk to him in his office after games. I saw him sad and touched, but he has virtue.

“When we are in a difficult situation he always sees the positive side… [He has] all my confidence. A positive result on Sunday will help the team.”

Barcelona and Madrid are level on points at the top of the table heading into the meeting at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Both teams are unbeaten after eight matches, having each won seven and drawn one.