Xavi spoke about Frenkie de Jong, Ansu Fati, Gavi, the team’s overall performance, fans booing Pique, and being calm after the win in his post-match press conference.
Xavi on Frenkie de Jong’s performance:
“Frenkie was very good. He really enjoyed the game, he understood it very well and he played a very complete game. I’m happy for him. Frenkie convinces me to be our pivot. He has been very focused.”
Frenkie is the best player in the team to break the lines. Today, he understood that very well, also in defense. Frenkie was especially good today.”
Xavi on Marcos Alonso:
“Marcos Alonso adapts perfectly to the center-back position, he was very good today, but like the whole defensive line, also Alba, Sergi, and Jules.”
Xavi on Ansu Fati:
“Ansu Fati is training very well. I’m sure he’s going to be important, but it depends on him.”
Xavi on the game against Villarreal:
“The first half today was very good. We understood that the ‘free man’ was the pivot, Frenkie. We talk a lot with the players about not always attacking the first time, and about deciding well, that’s why we talk about maturity. Today we even enjoyed it, depending on how the opponent plays you have to understand how to do it.”
Xavi on Barca fans whistling at Piqué:
“At the Gamper, I called for unity. It’s time to be together. All I can say is that in the dressing room he is an example. And he’s a great captain. People need to know that.”
Xavi on rotating the squad:
“We are making rotations because the team has to be at 100% to make the pressure work.”
Xavi on Ferran Torres:
“Ferran Torre is the best at pressing high the right wing. Ansu has also helped a lot.”
Xavi on being calm:
“Today with the messages on the phone it seems that I have won the lottery. Calm, now we are not the best team, I know that the expectations are high but we must work with humility, we will work to reach titles, but be calm because I see a lot of tension in the atmosphere.”
Xavi on the World Cup:
“There is a month left for the World Cup. I’m sure that it will be a historic World Cup. I wish Qatar all the best in hosting. Qatar is a country that gave me everything.”
That concluded Xavi’s press conference.
