Xavi talks about Fati, Araujo, and Ancelotti ahead of Barca vs Real Madrid

Xavi spoke about the psychological aspect, the possibility of deploying Araujo at the Right Back position, the availability of the entire squad, previous defeat in El Clasico, winning the first title, and playing with four midfielders in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Spanish Super Cup Final against Real Madrid.

Xavi on the importance of winning a title:

“We are excited and this title would mean a lot, as well as it being against Real Madrid. Whatever happens this season, everything changes with a title already having been won. I see Madrid as a very strong opponent.”

Xavi on the psychological aspect:

“It’s fundamental and perhaps they have a slight advantage over us because they have played more finals. But the hunger to win titles has to motivate us as we haven’t won for a long time and we need to win titles.”

Xavi on having young players in the team:

“We have many players who have not won titles with Barcelona yet and this has to be an advantage. It is a tremendous opportunity for the players. It is an advantage to have players who have not won, to demonstrate the hunger to win trophies. It’s a great opportunity tomorrow.”

Xavi on the defeat in Clasico in the league:

“It’s different, we go into this match with the entire squad available and that’s a big difference.”

“We will try to play our game and control them in transition and be strong in defense. We want to attack and defend in the best possible way to try to win the Super Cup, not much changes from October.”

Xavi on the pressure to win the final:

“The first goal was to reach the final and you have to appreciate that achievement because it hasn’t been easy. The goal is to win the cup. It’s the pressure of being such a big club, but this pressure is welcome.”

Xavi on the VAR and semi-automated offside system:

“There are several things about the new system for offside. With VAR, the emotion is lost a bit in the celebrations but on the other hand, it is fairer. I really like this as it ends up being more accurate and less subjective.”

Xavi on Ronald Araujo:

“Ronald is extraordinary as a defender and perhaps one of the best in the world. One-on-one, he is a tremendous defender. Having him gives us security and leadership and he is an option to play at right back.”

Xavi on Gavi:

“The passion and intensity that Gavi brings to games is always necessary. We will see how the minutes will be shared and there is also the option to play four midfielders. Gavi gives us many things, he is a decisive player in midfield and important for the team.”

Xavi on offensive set-up:

“I still haven’t decided how we’ll set up in the attack. All the players are available and we’ll choose based on what we think is best for the team. As an example, Ansu came on from the bench towards the end against Intercity and made a difference. Everyone must be prepared.”

Xavi on Carlo Ancelotti:

“I have a good relationship with him, we have met many times and he seems to be an extraordinary person. I have admired him as a coach and several Madrid players as well, I don’t hide that.”

Xavi on the Departures from the club in January:

“I’ve always said that I don’t want anyone to leave but if someone has to leave, we need to replace them. I’m not going to say names as we are focused on the final but if someone wants to leave, we’ll need to bring someone in.”