Pep Guardiola conceded that Barcelona were below par in their 2-0 victory over Xerez at the Estadio Municipal de Chapín.

Barca had to wait for a stoppage time goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic to seal the win after Thierry Henry had scored just after half-time.

"Our problem was how to play, how to approach the game, which was very even. The quality of our team decided the game because neither team created many chances," Guardiola told the press after the game.

"It has taken a lot out of us. In part it is normal, because we're coming off games with a lot of tension and therefore I made changes. I wanted to play people who had fresh legs and minds. The game was dangerous until the end. Until the second goal, nothing was settled.

"I try to give all teams equal value. You cannot give Xerez any less respect . They have good things in their game, like their defensive line, which holds up well and is well coordinated. We were not fluid, we were slow."

Guardiola added that lows during the season do happen and that La Blaugrana will rectify the situation against Deportivo La Coruna.

"There are games like this during the year and partly I understand. On Saturday we will play at a higher level," he stated.