Fc Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano: Xavi talks about the post-Messi Era, his experience of coaching Barcelona, rumors related to Frenkie de Jong, Fati’s return, Pique’s injury, new signings, and much more in the pre-match press briefing.
Xavi on Rayo Vallecano:
“Tomorrow is a golden opportunity for us to hold on to the 2nd place. Rayo is a complex opponent, and their win against Espanyol was important for them.”
Xavi on keeping the ball:
“We have to be more effective when we have the ball, it will be important for us to win tomorrow.”
Xavi on Ansu Fati’s return:
“The inclusion of Ansu Fati will depend on his sensations. If he is 100% fit, we will try to include him. He is training with the team. I think he will return against Mallorca.”
Xavi on Pique’s injury:
“Pique has been playing with muscular discomfort for the last two months. His commitment is great, we’ll see tomorrow.”
Xavi on winning La Liga:
“Winning La Liga is almost impossible now.”
Xavi on Ferran Torres:
“Ferran is a very important player for us.”
Xavi on new signings for the next season:
“We are working hard for next season, it will depend on the economic situation. We will see what happens next season. For now, we have to focus on our situation in La Liga. In order for new signings, players must leave.”
Xavi on coaching Barcelona:
“When coaching Barcelona there are different feelings. Like winning at the Bernebéu, not winning any titles. We have to go through our reality. We are in the post-Messi era, and we must be patient.”
Xavi on the objectives for the next season:
“We have to be realistic. Continue our work, be patient, and try to compete for titles next season. We are Barca.”
Xavi on not winning La Liga this season:
“We couldn’t achieve La Liga this season. Since I arrived in November, we are only 1 point behind Real Madrid. However, what really counts are the points for the whole season, that is the reality.”
Xavi on Aubameyang:
“Aubameyang helps the team a lot and sacrifices a lot for the team. I’m happy for him.”
Xavi on post-Messi Era:
“We are in the first season of the post-Messi era, and you have to be patient. This has been seen in many teams, like Manchester United. You want to fight for titles, and you want to win, but you have to do it with patience.”
Xavi on the rumors regarding Frenkie and Man United:
“Frenkie de Jong is a very important player for us, and he must mark an era at the club. He is at a very good level and must continue. He can be one of the best midfielders in the world. If it was up to me, he would continue for many more years at Barca.”
Xavi on strengthening certain positions for the next season:
“It depends on planning. Our idea is to strengthen the team with players in each position. We are Barca and we must have players in every position. Yet, we are more focused on the current season than the next.”
That concludes Xavi’s press briefing