Xavi spoke about the game against Rayo Vallecano, Aubameyang’s future, Pajanic’s stay, Frenkie’s situation, expectations from Lewandowski, the registration process, Nico’s exit on loan, and next’s season’s objectives in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Rayo Vallecano.
Xavi on the match against Rayo:
“We are excited for tomorrow’s game and are looking forward to this season. We have a very competitive squad. Rayo is an organized team, they press well and they play fast. It’s going to be a good challenge for us. We’re going to try to win and get the three points.”
Xavi on Registering the players:
“The club is working hard on it. Maybe not all done 100%, but we are positive and optimistic. It does affect a bit, but we will not change our system or philosophy. I insist that we are still optimistic about registering all players.”
Xavi on Aubameyang:
“I’m counting on Aubameyang. I’ve already spoken to the players who I don’t rely on. Auba is an important player for me, and I count on him. We’ll see what happens at the end of the window.”
Xavi on Frenkie de Jong:
“My answer is the same as it was for Aubameyang. I depend on him, and I want him on the team. However, until the 31st of August, anything is possible.”
Xavi on Pique’s role in the team:
“I told the players that everyone starts from scratch. We’ll analyze each player’s performance during matches and training.”
Xavi on World cup:
“For the World Cup in Qatar, I think it will be a great tournament. The way they came to the tournament and what I saw while I was living there, I think we’re going to have a great tournament.”
Xavi on Marcos Alonso:
“Right now we have Jordi Alba and Balde. So there is no point in talking about Alonso.”
Xavi on being the favorite to win La Liga:
“We didn’t win anything, so no. We are candidates. If we have a good squad, we have to prove it on the pitch. The favorite is the champion. Our goal for this season is to win titles.”
Xavi on Pjanic:
“Pjanic convinced me and he will stay with us.”
Xavi on winning titles:
“I’m excited to win titles, that’s what will make me successful as a coach. For us it’s also important to win. We had some good results in the second half of last season and now we have to go on to win trophies.”
Xavi on Nico:
“Nico told me 3 weeks ago, and I wanted him to stay. I wish him the best. I hope he comes back with more experience, he is an important player for us.”
Xavi on Memphis Depay:
“We’ll see what happens at the end of the window. Tomorrow is the start of the league, and we have to focus on that.”
Xavi on his expectations from Lewandowski:
“He’s a top scorer, a great player who makes the difference in the penalty area and gives space to his teammates. He came here humble and motivated.”
Xavi on Raphinha:
“Raphinha is different from any Brazilian. He looks like Neymar but he has kicks like Rivaldo’s. He is a player who must make a difference.”
That concluded Xavi’s press conference: