Xavi spoke about the fitness level of Frenkie and Araujo, Gavi being labelled as rough, kessie’s future, strengthening the squad in January, Imanol Alguacil, Zubimendi, Kubo, and Angel Alarcon in his pre-match press conference ahead of Copa Del Rey quarter-final against Real Sociedad.
Xavi on the game against Real Sociedad:
“It’s a decisive game. We’re playing at our home, we’ll see if 80,000 people can come. It will be a great game, as both teams are in good form. Real Sociedad are a great team, very well worked by Imanol Alguacil.”
Xavi on the line-up against Sociedad:
“We will decide the lineup tomorrow. We have been training normally and I don’t want to give any clues to my players either. I don’t like to move forward.”
Xavi on Martin Zubimendi:
“He is more physical and faster than Busi, who is better technically. But it’s not just Zubimendi, it’s all the players in midfield. We have a great team visiting us. Zubimendi is a great player.”
Xavi on his team’s current form:
“It depends on how we are. In the Super Cup final we did everything we could. The other day, against Getafe, we weren’t at our best. It’s impossible to be good all the time, but we have to be competitive and win when we don’t play brilliantly.”
Xavi on new arrivals in January:
“I expect little movement. I’ve said that from day one. Especially in terms of new signings, I’m calm. I’m not ruling anything out, but for the moment there is no news.”
Xavi on Imanol Alguacil:
“Imanol’s approach is excellent. He is a proven coach who has already won a title with Real Sociedad. For me, he is an example of how to do things. I like a lot of things about Real, they are a great team. And a large part of the credit goes to Imanol.”
Xavi on Gil Manzano being in charge of the game:
“I always tell the players to forget about the referees. These are situations we can’t control. We can control our game and our state of mind. We are in a good moment and this refereeing appointment is not going to change anything.”
Xavi on the gameplan against Sociedad:
“I think we will have to take the ball away from Real. If we don’t dominate the ball, we will suffer. Real Sociedad do a lot of things well and their style is very similar to ours.”
Xavi on Gavi being labelled as Rough:
“I think it’s nonsense. There is a referee who decides. Gavi has passion and courage. I think he is fouled a lot and he gets few fouls. Those who think otherwise are the creators of ‘Villarato’.”
Xavi on the objectives for this season:
“We are in a very good moment. The Super Cup has given us confidence, but we have to demand more of ourselves. We can’t just take one title. We want to fight for the league, the cup, and the Europa League. The objective is to win titles.”
Xavi on the elimination of Barca Femeni from Copa de la Reina:
“There are laws. It was our mistake, we have to speak openly. We have to accept the mistake, it is our responsibility.”
Xavi on Gavi being compared to Casemiro:
“When Gavi goes to the national team, he’s a marvel, and when he plays for Barca, he is not liked. That’s normal. And if we win, he’s less liked. Let Gavi be calm and continue to play with passion. I recommend him not to slow down.”
Xavi on Raphinha:
“He is being decisive. He is scoring goals and providing decisive assists. I’m happy with him, he’s growing a lot. It’s not easy to make a difference at Barca and he’s doing that.”
Xavi on Ter Stagen:
“Ter Stegen is at a spectacular level. He’s at the top of his game. He reminds me of the Ter Stegen of his first year. He gives us a lot and makes the difference. We give importance to the defensive line. We work on it and it is paying off, especially in La Liga.”
Xavi on Frenkie de Jong:
“It depends on how the opponent plays, he can play as a pivot. It depends on the game situation. Frenkie is a total footballer. I like him more as an inside midfielder, but we give him freedom.”
Xavi on Practicing penalties:
“Yes, we have worked on everything that can influence the match. Real Sociedad concede very few chances and let in very few goals. It will be a great game. It will be very difficult for us.”
Xavi on Kessie’s future:
“At no time have I considered his departure. He’s a player that I like a lot because he gives us alternatives in the game. He was especially good against Ceuta.”
Xavi on Araujo and Frenkie’s fitness level:
“Araujo and Frenkie are fine, 100 percent. Luckily for the team and unfortunately for me, I have to leave 12 or 13 players out of the eleven. I’m sorry, but it’s a luxury to have all the players.”
Xavi on Kubo:
“Kubo is a differential player. He is a powerful player, strong in one-on-one situations. I’ve always liked him personally, ever since he was in the Barca youth team. We’ll have to keep an eye on him. He’s confident, he’s been scoring goals lately.”
Angel Alarcon:
“I thought it was a difficult moment for the team, where the experience was needed. He won’t be called up because he will play the cup match with the youth team. At the weekend he will come back with us, as we are short of strikers.”
