In the CL 2nd round and quarter (up to the sending off) we were among the top % in distance covered.
If that was our peak, then our peak was that of the top PL sides.
The issue is that it didn't last more than a few weeks. Be it the hit of the CL exit or whatever, but it seems the issue with Xavi was more than just the physical preparation. But the mentality.
There have been hints of this throughout his tenure.
Going to Frankfurt, getting a draw and then getting KO at home.
Going to Madrid, getting a win and then getting KO at home.
Going to PSG, getting a win, and then getting KO at home.
It's a theme that transcends both the stadium excuse and the sending off excuse. Because it repeats.
Serghei is right about one thing though. We didn't overachieve by winning the league but Xavi overachieved by winning the league. Our chances conceded was way higher than what we conceded while most of the wins were 1-0.
If the opponents scored a fraction of the goals they should have, then we would have seen what we have seen this year. A Catalan meltdown taco filled with 5 red cards, 1 pinata and a ton of excuses.