Xavi spoke about the changes in the game against Villarreal, the role of Busquets, strengthening the squad in the winter window, and Gavi’s award in his pre-match press conference.
Xavi on the game against Villarreal:
“We expect a difficult opponent, we admire them, they can defend with several players and they can press. Emery is a great coach and they have only conceded 3 goals and they are a physical team.”
Xavi on the Criticism towards Busquets:
“When we lose everyone gets criticized, Busquets is still an important player for us, he’s the captain and he always helps us, it’s the same for Busquets and all the captains.”
Xavi on Eric Garcia:
“Eric is extraordinary. A central defender in Barça can make mistakes but he is very good, I like him a lot in terms of football.”
Xavi on strengthening the squad in winter:
“I think that good planning has been done, that we have strengthened ourselves well, but there is a winter market and the club must think about continuing to strengthen.”
“We have strengthened ourselves very well. We have had noticeable injuries, but the team is very good.”
Xavi on the improvement:
“Everyone makes mistakes, we need to improve some tactical aspects, we need to improve some offensive and defensive positions.”
Xavi on the Referees:
“I want to think the referees are honest and whistle what they think.”
Xavi on the recent failures:
“I am a calm person, I want things to go well, what happened in the Champions League and the Bernabéu hurts me, but I will work more if necessary until this situation changes.”
Xavi on the changes against Villarreal:
“Tomorrow there will be changes.”
Xavi on his future:
“Of course, if there are no titles, my stage will probably end earlier. It’s Barca, we’re here to win. The objective is to win titles this season, I insist.”
Xavi on being positive:
“I would understand if they stopped trusting me. People support me on the street. This is football. Defeat cannot stop us, you have to be positive. Honestly, I’m not deceiving you, I’m always positive.”
Xavi on Gavi’s award:
“Gavi is very deserving of the award he won.”