Xavi talks about Pedri’s role, Busquets’s replacement, Pique’s injury, Dani’s comments on Halaand/Mbappe, Dest’s return, Sergi Roberto’s return, and discussed the game against Levante
Fixtures are coming thick and fast for Fc Barcelona. Barca will resume their domestic campaign away to a struggling Levante side tomorrow. Xavi spoke to the press ahead of tomorrow’s fixture.
Here are the best bits from his press conference.
Xavi on Levante:
Levante? They’re a tough and motivated opponent. We want the 3 points, but we have to play at a tough ground.”
Xavi on Pique’s injury:
“Piqué? He has an injury, he’s working hard. He’s been performing at an amazing, high level in the last two months. I took him out and he wasn’t upset, we’ll see what happens. It’s not a big injury, more like an annoyance. We’ll see if he’s ready on Thursday.”
Xavi on Sergi Roberto:
“Sergi Roberto already knows my opinion. He and the club have to come to an agreement, and then we’ll see. We’ll try to get him with the group next week and we’ll see depending on the sensations.”
Xavi on Dembele:
“I can only speak about Dembélé from November. There are very few players on his level, and he takes care of himself and follows the guidance. He is loved in the squad, and I have no complaints with him as he is giving us a lot.”
Xavi on the draw against Frankfurt:
“We saw the game in Frankfurt, we weren’t good. We have to be self-critical. Too many balls were lost, we lacked a lot of things but still drew. We weren’t fine, and we have to improve on a lot of things. The team is fine physically, what happened that day was a football problem, not a physical one.”
Xavi on Dest and Memphis:
“Dest and Memphis won’t be available for tomorrow, but we will see if they will be available for Thursday. We don’t want them to relapse.”
Xavi on Busquets’s replacement:
“I hope that Busquets continues for a lot more years, and thinking about finding a replacement is going to be very tough.”
“Busi with the exception of Casemiro who is a different profile is the best defensive midfielder of the last 15 years. Finding another one like him is very complicated and no one else can give us, what he gives us, and still, he’s one of the most criticized.”
Xavi on Alba:
For me, Alba is a competitive animal. For everything, he gives on the pitch, and his leadership in the dressing room is under-appreciated.”
Xavi on Dani Alves’s comments regarding Haaland/Mbappe:
“Dani’s comments on Haaland/Mbappé? I forgive Dani for everything, whatever he says. Sometimes you complain that there are no headlines. Well, with Dani it’s hard to choose one. It’s a phenomenon.”
Xavi on Pedri and Gavi’s role:
Pedri’s role depends on the game. The other day it was difficult to find him because Eintracht worked very well. We could’ve found him a lot more, Gavi too.”
Xavi on Gavi’s renewal:
“Gavi’s renewal? I’m optimistic, Gavi wants to stay and it also depends on the club, the player, and the agent. He deserves to stay, and I hope he does.”
Official Squad has also been announced for Tomorrow’s match