Xavi: It is harder for us to defend with a 3-4-3

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has admitted there is a downside to the team adopting a 3-4-3 system. The Catalan club's injury woes in their defensive area have forced coach Pep Guardiola to be inventive and put one extra man in midfield. In Wednesday's 2-2 draw at Valencia, Barca had a hard time stopping the home side's attacking attempts down the left flank, and with Gerard Pique regaining full fitness, it is believed the 40-year-old will return to his traditional 4-3-3 system. And while Xavi confessed a 3-4-3 formation is to his liking, he noted it leaves the team somewhat exposed at the back. "The 3-4-3 system is good for us, but it also makes it harder for us to defend," he told reporters at a press conference. The Camp Nou outfit are two points off the top of the table, and Xavi thinks that his side's current position does not reflect what they have been showing on the field. "Physically and technically we are being dominant in every match, but we are not having luck," he added. The Spain international stressed he does not agree with the notion La Liga is a two-horse race, saying: "I do not believe it is a two-team league. In Spain there are many big teams."