Xavi spoke about Gavi and Araujo’s renewal, Dembele, Fati, Busquets, Pique, Women’s Clasico, summer signings, and the La Liga title race in the pre-match press conference.
Before the match against Julen Lopetegui’s Sevilla, Xavi addressed the press and previewed the game. He also spoke about Gavi and Araujo’s renewal, Dembele’s situation, Fati’s return, Busquets’s role in the team, Pique’s return to Spain’s National Team, Women’s Clasico, summer signings, and the La Liga title race.
Here are the best bits from Xavi’s pre-match media briefing:
Xavi on the match against Sevilla:
“This match against Sevilla is another final for us. We have the opportunity to move up to 2nd place after this good run of results and we have to confirm that we can compete against anyone. We have to be a block, a team like we showed for 60-70 minutes at the Bernabeu. We know the path, the line to follow and we can’t let it slip up because then it wouldn’t do any good.”
What do you think of the Camp Nou fans in the women’s Clasico?:
“They were amazing and they deserved it, I hope tomorrow we can enjoy them.”
Xavi on Busquets:
“I see Busquets and he has a lot of time left. When he’s not there, Frenkie or Nico can play, but I see them as more attacking players. Today Busi is irreplaceable, fundamental for us.”
Xavi on Gavi and Araujo’s contract renewal:
“Gavi and Araujo are very important to us for the future. Barca can not allow them to leave. I am positive and I want to think that the two will renew their contracts.”
Xavi on Dembele:
“I see Dembele very happy and involved in the project. It depends on him, and on the club. He is a high-level footballer. Well worked on, he can make a difference and possibly be the best in the world in his position.”
Xavi on Pique’s return to Spanish National Team:
“This is a question for Enrique, he is a reference for me and he has a clear idea and he will make his decision. As a coach with many options, I’m happy with Pique and he’s playing at a great level. I don’t decide.”
Xavi on Ansu Fati’s return:
“Ansu Fati’s return will be marked by his feelings, having a greater training load with the group. I’ve seen him happy, in group dynamics, and when you see yourself participating, it’s very good.”
Xavi on possible summer signings:
“I’m not going to talk about signings. We’ve got a lot at stake in this part of the season and we’re not talking about anything other than the games. It’s true that the club is working, but we’re not going to give any names away.”
Xavi on this season’s objectives:
“The main objective is to be in the Champion next year. In November we were in a very complicated situation and we went up. Now the challenge is to be as high as possible in the League and the Europa League. We want to continue the same effort, I am optimistic about what I see in the training sessions, the players are enthusiastic and eager for big goals, in a month and a half we will fight for our goals.”
Xavi on La Liga title race:
“Of course, we’ll be watching what happens in Vigo, let’s see, but we have to focus on ourselves and think that we depend on ourselves to get up to 2nd position.”
That concludes Xavi’s press conference.
