Xavi spoke about his tactics against inter, imposing Barca’s style, leading the La Liga Table, Lewandowski’s effectiveness, Pedri’s importance, Gavi’s progress, Sergi Roberto’s versatility, Messi’s situation, Lautaro’s absence, the complexity of the Champions League format and the game against Inter Milan in his pre-match press conference.
Xavi on the match against Inter:
“Inter Milan is a difficult team, strong defensively and plays with a completely different style, Inzaghi loves to attack and play offensive football and this will have a role in tomorrow’s match.”
Xavi on imposing Barca’s style:
“Inter have a great personality and we are trying to do what we did against Bayern Munich but with a different outcome.”
“It is about adapting to the way of the opponent or changing some things, this is what we are trying to do, Barcelona’s style is clear and we will not change this method. We take into account the opponent, our goal is clear.”
Xavi on Barca being at the top of La Liga:
“Being at the top in the League is something that gives us a morale boost and confidence, for a long time we were far from the top, this is positive and indicates that we are in a good dynamic.”
Xavi on his approach against Inter:
“We must be braver, take risks, go forward and not let Inter advance, knowing that they are a very direct and physical team. It’s not easy but we will try to show character and be brave.”
Xavi on encouraging his players:
“I’m trying to give my players confidence, in Munich we were superior and now we have to prove that through the results, we are in good moments and we have to take advantage of that.”
Xavi on his tactics:
“On the tactical level, what I look at most are the attackers that the opponent plays with. If there are two strikers we can strengthen the midfield more and take risks. Our goal is to have possession of the ball and control.”
Xavi on Lewandowski:
“Lewandowski’s effectiveness is amazing. He’s an amazing player and his numbers are reflective of that.”
Xavi on Sergi Roberto:
“Sergi Roberto is versatile. I spoke to him last year when there were doubts regarding his continuity. He is a joker that we value very much.”
Xavi on the Champions League Format:
“This Champions League version is complicated because you have to play well at the right time, one mistake throws you out of the tournament.”
Xavi on Leo Messi’s return:
“Let’s leave Leo alone, I love him so much and he’s my friend but we don’t do him any good when we talk about him, this is not the time to talk about it, let him have fun now in PSG.”
Xavi on Lautaro’s absence:
“He is very good, not having him on the pitch tomorrow levels the playing pitch with all the injuries we have.”
Xavi on Gavi’s progress:
“Gavi has grown a lot, he’s young but already very mature, it’s wonderful how he jumps under pressure, he’s 18 years old but already at a spectacular level.”
Xavi on Pedri:
“There are always things to improve. It’s important for the interiors to get into the box. We ask Pedri to generate chances, to be important because he can be. Just like Gavi, Frenkie or Kessie.”
That concluded Xavi’s press conference.
