Xavi spoke about the game against Atletico Madrid, giving more minutes to Pablo Torre, Fati’s role, reinforcing the squad in January, Busquets’ renewal, individual mistakes, and the Copa Del Rey round of 16 Draw ahead of Barca’s match against Atletico Madrid in his pre-match Press conference.
Xavi on tomorrow’s game against Atletico:
“Tomorrow we play one of the most difficult matches in the league. We will try to play a good game and be effective in front of the goal.”
Xavi on the absence of Alba and Lewandowski:
“Jordi Alba and Lewandowski will not play tomorrow, but we will play with 11 players. We will see who will be our choice of striker depending on the circumstances that suit the match.”
Xavi on Atletico Madrid:
“They are a strong opponent with a solid defensive coach. If the scoring ability is not there tomorrow, it can get difficult. I think we show our competitiveness each week and the game against Atletico Madrid will be the same. We haven’t won away in the last 2 years.”
Xavi on reinforcing the squad in January:
“I’ve told you before that I’m happy with the team. I spoke with Laporta and Mateu and I’m happy with the squad.”
Xavi on the Difference between Ferran and Ansu:
“Ferran has more movement while Ansu is more central. People don’t appreciate Ferran more, but we’re happy for him and Ansu as well.”
Xavi on the individual mistakes:
“Sometimes mistakes are made individually and sometimes collectively. We want to give confidence to all our players. Football is a game of mistakes as well and sooner or later these things happen.”
Xavi on Busquet’s renewal:
Busquets is an important player for us and we count on him. The decision of his renewal is up to him. We’ll have another conversation about it.”
Xavi on giving more minutes to Pablo Torre:
“Absolutely. I have to be fair with every player but it’s hard. Pablo played with quality and with great passes and crosses.”
Xavi on Alejandro Balde:
“We are counting on Balde, he is an important player and he knows it. He has managed to start a number of matches and we count on him.”
Xavi on the Copa Del Rey round of 16 Draw:
“We’ve been lucky in the draw with Ceuta. We have a rival from the lowest division but now we must prove it. On paper, we seem to have been lucky, but we have to prove it.”
