Xavi spoke to the press ahead of Barca vs Celta Vigo

Xavi addressed the press ahead of Barca’s match against Celta Vigo

Xavi spoke about Busquets’s replacement, Ansu Fati’s workload, departures in the summer, Champions League, and the match against Celta Vigo.

Xavi on the match against Cellta Vigo:

“We want to develop our game more, this way we can secure the three points and keep the second place.”

Xavi on the substitute for Busquets:

“We don’t have an exact profile like Busquets. There are positions that we do not have doubled, it is important to do good planning for the future.”

Xavi on qualifying for Champions League:

“We have achieved the goal which is to reach the Champions League. Now our goal is second place.”

Xavi on losing the ball too often:

“Our team still loses a lot of balls in the game. We need to reduce this thing. In the way our team plays, it is very important to be in control and responsible for the ball. You press well, but the most important thing is to play better with the ball.”

Xavi on the administration:

“I’m happy with the President and the sporting directors. I will be part of the team that is planning for next season. I have a good relationship with the president and administration. We will see what we can do in the summer to strengthen the team and be more competitive.”

Xavi on Ansu Fati’s workload:

“Ansu Fati is fine. I see him feeling good and happy. He is 100%. He has to be more careful with his injury, but he comes on and scores goals. I’m glad he’s back, but I don’t know about his return to the Spanish national team. We are making a plan for him to be 100% ready for next season.”

Xavi on Erling Haaland:

“Erling Haaland’s signing is difficult because of the economic situation.”

Xavi on the comparisons with Koeman:

“It is absurd to compare. Koeman did a great job and we are trying to do that to revive Barca. We have improved and I strongly believe in the project.”

Xavi on the exits in summer:

“Now we’re talking about the next three games. Then we’ll talk about the departure of the players.”

Xavi on Jandro Orellana:

“Jandro is a player from La Masia, he plays in such a way that he does not lose the ball. He can play as a defensive or central midfielder. We called him up for tomorrow’s game with Alvaro Sanz, and we hope they can have a few minutes.”

Xavi on Frenkie de Jong:

“Frenkie has always needed the freedom to play. He’s been playing great and I’m happy for him. He made the difference in a number of matches. Sometimes we ask him to stick to some defensive roles, but he’s been doing really well.”

Xavi on Aubameyang:

“Aubameyang’s goals have been great. He creates danger in the penalty box and helps the team with his movement. He helps us a lot and has great numbers to prove that.”

Xavi on Dembele:

“Once again I’m saying that all players have to adapt to the economic situation of the club. Ousmane helps the team a lot, although he was unlucky not to score recently. He plays at the highest level. Negotiations are going on with his agent, things are not easy, but we will see. I hope he stays.”

That concluded Xavi’s press conference.


Official Squad List has been announced for the match against Celta Vigo.