Xavi spoke about the line-up against Bayern, Muller’s threat, Lewandowski’s importance, Bayern’s season so far, results of the previous fixtures, Musiala and Alphonso Davies, and managing the squad in a stacked footballing Callender.
Xavi on the match against Bayern:
“I think both teams will want to keep the ball, they want to press, and we both leave spaces in defense and persevere when we don’t get the ball. It’s going to be a tough match, and it could get even more intense.”
“Here at Barca, we have to show our abilities in every game. The press always talks about every match as it’s a ‘moment of truth’ but this is true in a match like Bayern.”
Xavi on winning against Bayern:
“It is true that we only won two matches, and we did not win here. We know how tough the challenge is but I think we can do it. We’ll see what happens tomorrow.”
Xavi on Lewandowski as a Leader:
“Lewandowski is fine, he is calm and confident. He is a natural leader of the team, and this match is special for him but I think we are in the right moment to face Bayern.”
“We have Lewandowski who is an important player for us, but we have other players as well. He’s a player who is good at finding empty players, and he helps us form really well but we also have players in attack who can help us too.”
Xavi on Müller:
“Müller is a great player, a Bayern player for many years, and understands the game well both offensively and defensively. It is difficult to defend against a player like Müller. We will devise a defensive plan.”
Xavi on Bayern’s season so far:
“Bayern started the season well in the Bundesliga and in the Champions League. Nagelsmann is a great coach. Tactically he’s great, and tomorrow it’s going to be a tough match. They press really well, and are great in many ways.”
“The result will not mean anything. The important thing is that we will strive to compete against one of the best teams in the world.”
Xavi on Raphinha:
“Raphinha is an important player for us, very dynamic, and helps in defense as well. He’s an amazing player, and I trust him a lot. Tomorrow, too, will undoubtedly be important to us.”
Xavi on the result of previous fixtures:
“Looking at the previous matches we played, we had a bad time but tomorrow we want to compete well. If the players show their true potential, I will be happy. We have to leave the past behind and believe in our ability to win.”
“We have improved a lot since we lost last season to Bayern. We have a competitive team and I think we can win tomorrow and break the history of what is happening here.”
“Last season was not good for us and we hope to compete better tomorrow. Everything will be decided tomorrow on the pitch.”
Xavi on Musiala and Alphonso Davies:
“Musiala and Davies are two players who have already made their mark in Bayern. They also have great forwards, and they press really well. It’s true that we’re pushing too, but they’ve been doing this for years.”
Xavi on the Line-up against Bayern:
“Tomorrow I will choose the players who are most ready, the most professional on the field, and who are able to impose our style on the pitch. Experience is not important, there are young players who are more physically fit.”
“We train hard for two hours or more. This is what I love as a coach. Tomorrow we want to compete and show that we are excited to play in this tournament.”
Xavi on managing the squad:
“We have analyzed and planned everything about our schedule, before and after the international break. After the international break, there will be no stops, then there will be the World Cup.”
“After the end of the World Cup, we have to go through a small preparatory period. We’ve already planned for the whole season.”
That concluded Xavi’s press conference.
