The clash against Villarreal was an intense affair for FC Barcelona, who managed to concede three goals but also had the willpower to reply back with four goals of their own to seal a game that looked done and dusted at several different points during the course of the match.
While the highlights of the game understandably remain the various forwards and attacking players on the day who managed to steer the course of the game in their team’s direction, Xavi addressed nearly all areas of the game in his post-match interview with Moviestar.
Highlighted by Spanish outlet SPORT, the interview even acknowledged topics such as the substitution of a particular Danish defender following half-time as well as the coach’s opinion on the performances of Eric Garcia and Marcos Alonso.
Questioned regarding his decision to take off Andreas Christensen at half-time despite a rather good outing from the player, an act that also took place against Cadiz last time out making the Dane to be Xavi’s first substitution in both games, the manager stated that it had to do with nothing apart from personal discomfort the player felt during the game:
“He (Andreas Christensen) has been struggling with problems in his Achilles and his soleus muscle.”
He also linked the same reason of discomfort being the cause for Alejandro Balde not featuring in the very same clash against Villarreal, confirming reports of ankle discomfort:
“He (Christensen) was not comfortable due to his discomfort, just like Alejandro Balde.”
However, the manager claimed that the players he had entrusted in the stead of both the Dane and the Spanish youngster did not let him down when he called upon them. Referring to Eric Garcia and Marcos Alonso, he stated:
“Both Marcos and Eric went out (to take their respective places) and I am very happy for the team (with the result).”
The game ended 4-3 in favor of FC Barcelona, who now have 7 points from the three games that they have played. The discomfort issue continues to be a problem with Christensen however, and it will be something Barcelona will have to assess and determine how to best resolve.