Xavi spoke about the game against Elche, Gavi’s renewal, Ansu Fati’s progress, Madrid Derby, Barca’s rumored white shirt for the next season, the home match against Bayern, Jordi Cruyff’s appointment, and post-break plans in his pre-match press conference.
Xavi on the match against Elche:
“We are competing with the same opponent we competed with last season, they are physically strong. Their strength is within their teamwork. We wouldn’t have won against them last season except for a penalty kick scored by Memphis.”
Xavi on Gavi’s renewal:
I’m happy with Gavi’s level, and that’s what I’ve been waiting for. He is a gift to us for the future, he has a great personality and great passion. He helps us a lot, and he is a footballer who can play in any position I ask of the team.”
“I didn’t complain about the delay in renewing Gavi, we knew the situation, and I was always talking to Gavi and his agent. Now Gavi has to go on and show that he is a great and important player for us.”
Xavi on Ansu Fati not playing 90 minutes:
“Ansu is FINE. We work with him on a certain plan. He’s a great player, and he makes a difference when he comes in. It is important to us. I always talk to Ansu, last week we had a conversation, and we always try to understand what motivates him. Ansu is a special player for me. Now he’s ready, we’ll see how it goes.”
“Maybe a bit more intensity during play has to be deployed, but Ansu’s coming back gradually, and he understands that he came out of a difficult situation due to injury.”
Xavi on Fati’s participation in the WC:
“It is a decision for Luis Enrique. I have a good relationship with him, and I spoke with Enrique about Ansu’s condition. Generally, Ansu should play, you will see that.”
Xavi on Jordi Cruyff’s appointment as Sporting Director:
“I’m going to ask him to invite me to lunch on the occasion of his official appointment as Sports Director. Jordi is a loyal person, and I’m happy for him. It’s a great decision by the club, and I support it 100%.”
Xavi on the Madrid derby:
“We have to play our game and then see what happens in the next game. I will definitely watch the game, but first I want us to win our game. We want the three points. If Real Madrid drop points, it will be good for us.”
Xavi on the post-break plans:
“I think a break would be good because we haven’t had a break since the preseason. I think the break will be for the staff, not the players. After that, we have a game every 3 days, and we have to prepare the team for that.”
Xavi on the goals celebration:
“Every player has the right to celebrate as he wants. I don’t think it has anything to do with disrespecting opponents.”
Xavi on the defeat against Bayern:
“I’m still upset about the Bayern game. We should have won that match, not even a draw. We controlled the game, and the players knew their mistakes in that game but I’m still upset.”
Xavi on the white shirt for the next season:
“Generally, Barcelona used to wear white shirts in the old days. Currently, there is nothing official about that. When it becomes official, come ask me.”
Xavi on his intervention in Ansu’s inclusion in the NT squad:
“It seems you don’t know Enrique. You know him, right?? He is someone who takes decisions on his own. We have a good relationship, but I did not interfere in any way.”
Xavi on Marcos Alonso:
“He played a great match against Bayern, was distinguished in defensive and offensive positions, and made great passes and great crosses. He was a top-level player but it’s always difficult to keep playing because we have to rotate.”
Xavi on Pedri’s missed chances against Bayern:
“I spoke to all the team, and we showed them videos of their mistakes. They were upset about their missed opportunities. We played well, we were just missing the score. Champions League matches are those where we shouldn’t miss this many chances.”
Xavi on beating Bayern at Camp Nou:
“We can beat any team, but we have to prove it. We have to keep working and convince our players that we are on the right track. Doubts can not infiltrate us. We are playing well, but we have to be more efficient.”
That concluded Xavi’s press conference.
