Xavi discusses his coaching experience at Barca, Araujo’s renewal, Adama’s role, and Frankfurt’s intensity ahead of Europa League Quarter Final against Frankfurt
Xavi on playing Eintracht Frankfurt:
“It is always great to come to Germany, we will try to play and control the ball and repeat what we did in the last period. Eintracht Frankfurt have very good players up front, lanes, double pivots, central defenders, and a good goalkeeper. Maybe they’re not well known in Spain but they’re top-level footballers.
Xavi on the draw against German opponents:
“We’ve never played here, but nothing changes for us. Playing first at home or away doesn’t matter, Eintracht is a great team. It’s going to be a difficult game and we were unlucky in the draw.”
Xavi on the concerned right-back position for Barca:
“To replace Dest we have the options of Araujo, Mingueza, and Eric. We have replacements in the team.”
Xavi on Araujo’s renewal:
“Araujo sacrificed for renewal, what does it mean to you? As a coach, it is a guarantee that he is a player who can play in Barcelona for 10 years. He’s (Araujo) good with the ball and that’s what we ask for, he’s happy to stay in Barcelona, he’s a very humble player and it’s a pleasure to have players like Araujo.”
Xavi on Dembele’s renewal talks:
I have said several times that the club works for the present and the future. Ousmane is an important player for us and I hope he stays. His attitude, involvement, and motivation are exemplary.
Xavi on Frankfurt’s intensity:
“Frankfurt is a great team. They have eliminated Betis and put Bayern and Dortmund in trouble. They are physically strong and are going to have extra motivation. We have to match that intensity because otherwise, they can run over us. We haven’t had any luck in the draw because we got a very strong rival. We have to limit Eintracht’s transitions and control the rhythm of the game.”
Xavi on the praise he and his team is getting:
“I’m happy with the way things are going, but that can change and we have to be aware. Praise is better than criticism, but that shouldn’t confuse us or stop being humble. I’m here to help the players and for Barça to win, not to get any personal glory, that’s what worries me the least.”
Xavi on coaching Barca:
Coaching Barca is a roller-coaster ride. There are moments of maximum joy and maximum sorrow and it is difficult to manage, you have to be prepared for them. This is Barca and there are moments that I enjoy and moments that I suffer, but I have already known this since my playing days.”
Xavi on Adama Traore:
“Adama will be an important player, there is a match every 3 days and we must rotate.”
That concludes Xavi’s press conference.
Ferran Torres on the dressing room environment:
The team is motivated, it’s an important game for us. We are visiting this stadium for the first time and we are excited to win.”
Ferran on coping with Xavi:
He gave me confidence from day one and that was important. I’m in a good moment and the results are coming.”
Ferran on his best position:
“I’m more of a winger than a striker, but if I can score, it’s good for me and the team.”
Ferran on Pedri:
We are not surprised because we train together every day. Pedri plays things with humility, he is among the best players in the world. I am sure he will mark an era.”
Ferran on Xavi as a coach:
“Xavi has the DNA of the club, leadership, and humility. He gives us confidence. He does not put pressure on players, and the players appreciate that.”
Ferran on Eintracht Frankfurt:
“Eintracht Frankfurt is a physical team and they are in good shape and we have to adapt to what the coach says.”
Ferran on Dembele:
“I would kidnap Dembele so that he can stay in Barcelona. He is a difference-maker. This is the best club to be at, but the decision is his, and I can only wish him the best.”
That concludes Ferran’s press conference.
Xavi should not start Adams traore because he is so selfish because all he what is goal he don’t want to give the team any assist again