New Barcelona boss Xavi reportedly views improving the team's defensive performances as a priority in the early stages of his time in the position.

The Catalan giants have conceded 15 times in their 12 La Liga matches this season, while they shipped six goals in their two Champions League losses to Bayern Munich and Benfica in September.

Xavi is currently preparing for his first game in charge of Barcelona, which is the Catalan derby against Espanyol on Saturday.

The La Liga giants continue to be linked with a number of potential new additions, with the club expected to be active in the January window despite their financial problems.

However, according to Marca, Xavi's main priority at this moment in time is to help the team 'reinstate their defensive solidity'.

The report claims that the Spaniard was disturbed by Barcelona shipping three goals against Celta Vigo before the international break and is determined to oversee an improvement in that area of the field.

Blaugrana have kept just two clean sheets in La Liga during the 2021-22 campaign.