Xavi spoke to the press after his team’s hard-fought win against Real Sociedad.
Xavi on the physical condition of players:
“We have to secure the second place and we have to continue the fight. We are suffering a lot from fatigue, and discomfort. The players made a great effort to achieve the goal of getting into the Champions League.”
Xavi on the schedule:
“We have a lot of pressure, we have played a lot of games in the last 3 weeks, and we have to applaud the team for the effort.”
Xavi on not being satisfied with the performance:
“We won, yes. We are satisfied with the three points that were very important, yes. But we can’t be satisfied with the game. We have not had long possession in the opposition half and that is what we want and what we work for, it is a matter of decision making.”
Xavi on the style of play:
“We have changed the style of play. I try to have the players press high for 90 minutes. Barca have not done that in many years. You have to understand that some players are suffering from severe fatigue, especially in defense. They are not used to the intensity.”
Xavi on the 2nd half performance:
“In the first half, we had very good minutes. I came into the half-time break happy… But in the second half, we suffered a lot. The positive point of view is that we competed very well. We have to praise the effort, although we have to improve.”
Xavi on his project:
“Five months ago, there was a different game system. I want to press and get the ball back sooner. The effort is spectacular, the attitude is commendable… We are at the beginning of a project and it takes patience.”
Xavi on qualifying for the Champions League:
“We have a month left to qualify for the Champions League.”
“This is a golden victory. It is worth 6 points. Real Sociedad deserved more today. This is the match in which I have suffered the most, apart from the one at Villarreal.”
Xavi on the way his team played:
“This is not the correct football we have to play. We have to be self-critical with our game. We won, which is the important part, but we are not happy. They had the ball more than us. They are a very tough opponent, and our fatigue was noticeable in the second half. But mentally, it’s an important victory.”
Xavi on Busquests:
“We have to thank Busquets for his performances and commitment to the shirt.”
Xavi on Real Sociedad’s Coach ( Imanol ):
“Imanol is a great coach, I identify a lot with his way of training, they have done very well.”
Xavi on Pique and Dani Alves:
“Pique has made a spectacular effort. Pique is a natural leader. He gives us security. At 35, he is still a vital footballer. Alves has also made a great effort.”
Xavi on Ter Stagen:
“Ter Stegen is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Today he gave us the three points as he already did vs Mallorca and Levante. He’s a leader, he dominates with his feet, and he gives us a lot of security in goal.”
Xavi on Frenkie De Jong:
“Frenkie de Jong is a very complete player, he has endured very well and is very important for the team.”
