Xavi spoke about Pedri’s injury, Dembele’s performance, benching Iñaki Peña, Dembele being applauded by Camp Nou, Busquets, Lewandowski and Raphinha in his post-match press conference after the 1-0 win against Real Sociedad in the quarter-final of Copa Del Rey.
Xavi on Dembele’s performance:
“Since we’ve been here, Dembele has improved a lot. I see the full-backs who play against him and they suffer. I believe in him a lot. I always think he can generate a lot for us. Today he played an extraordinary game.”
Xavi on Dembele being applauded by Camp Nou:
“Dembele has been criticised and booed. We have changed him and he receives a standing ovation. I’m very happy for him!”
Xavi on lack of aggression in front of Goal:
“We lack aggression in front of the goal. In the end, you win 1-0 and at the end, the opponents have that chance. We can’t give away these advantages. It’s a good game from us, but it looks like we score the first goal and that’s it. We have to go for the 2-0…”
Xavi on giving believing in Dembele’s abilities:
“Dembele, in his position, is one of the best players in the world. Dembélé is very happy right now. I think what has changed in Dembele is that he now believes he is one of the best wingers in the world, something I already knew, and now he is starting to believe it. He feels our confidence. I talk to him quite a lot. I’m glad because he’s a great guy.”
Xavi on Pedri’s injury:
“Pedri only has a bruise on his knee. He is fine. He’ll be available for Saturday’s match.”
Xavi on achieving this season’s objectives:
“We are where we wanted to be at this time in January. Leaders in La Liga, we’re in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, and we have won the Spanish Super Cup.”
Xavi on Busquets:
“He’s at a great level. Very high level. He’s an extraordinary player. Having said that, we lose balls in transitions, which must be improved on.”
Xavi on not playing Iñaki Peña today:
“I thought that Ter Stegen had to play today, just as I thought Iñaki Peña had to play against Ceuta and Intercity. They know how it goes, they’re all in the team and I haven’t given them any further explanation.”
Xavi on the compactness of Real Sociedad:
“Today it was difficult for us when they got into the low block, it’s hard for us to find those deep passes. We’re missing the last pass. I think that’s what we’re missing the most.”
Xavi on Lewandowski’s performance:
“Lewandowski works for the team and creates chances. I’m very happy with his work on the attack. Even if he didn’t score, he played a very complete game and we must also highlight him.”
Xavi on changing the system again:
“I thought that the best thing was to play with four midfielders again. We played a brilliant 60 minutes. I’m very satisfied with the game.”
Xavi on Raphinha:
“Raphinha? He’ll be very important for us. I have a lot of confidence in him.”
Xavi on his coaching staff:
“I have the best staff in the world. Both the coaches, Oscar and Sergio, the analysts, the physical trainers, and the nutritionists. The work that the staff do is sensational. The best thing that I have as a coach is my staff. I appreciate them very much.”
