Xavi spoke about Lewandowski’s form, comparisons with Benzema, missing key players, Franck Kessie’s role, Eric Garcia’s adaptability, Javier Tebas, Gavi, and Frenkie in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Copa Del Semi Final against Real Madrid.
Xavi on the match against Real Madrid:
“Tomorrow’s match will be difficult. We are playing against the UCL and La Liga holders. We will try to control the ball. We are focused on the game. They will come motivated and want revenge. Tomorrow the stadium must be a pressure cooker. Madrid know how to come back and they are still the favorites.”
Xavi on missing key players:
Not having Pedri or Frenkie is a big loss but we’ll still try to have possession. We are not going for a draw, we want to win.”
Xavi on the possibility of Real Madrid players trying to provoke Gavi:
“Gavi, for his age, is quite mature. He has accumulated experience for such matches. Barcelona-Madrid is an eternal rivalry. There are always tensions, but with respect, it’s a footballing war.”
Xavi on being criticized in the press:
“I don’t read the newspapers, I only listen to the radio a little bit. If the president is happy with my work, I don’t care about the rest of the critics. We are fighting for titles and tomorrow we have a chance to reach the finals.”
Xavi on the defeat against Real Madrid in October:
“After our loss at the Bernabeu, we came together as a team and as a family, and everyone in the squad has contributed to this team.”
Xavi on Robert Lewandowski:
“Regaining Lewy’s scoring confidence is very important and he is very motivated. It was important for him to score to regain his confidence.”
Xavi on Lewandowski vs Benzema:
“It’s not easy to answer that. They are one of the 2 or 3 best forwards in the world. They are similar. Benzema moves more around the field and is associative while Lewandowski is more physical and both of them are difference makers.”
Xavi on Ansu and Ferran benefiting from goals against Elche:
“. it generates pressure not to score. That’s why it’s good that they scored against Elche. I am happy for both Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres.”
Xavi on Eric Garcia:
“Eric García and Busquets are compatible, and all good players are compatible because they are smart and they can adapt. Eric can play in both center-back positions and he has shown that he can also be a pivot.”
Xavi on Franck Kessie:
“Franck Kessié is a key player and he scores goals too. He understands teamwork very well, helps his teammates a lot, and always gets himself into the box, where he’s been vital lately. He will be important tomorrow, for sure.”
Xavi on facing Real Madrid:
“Real Madrid have lost three Clasicos in a row, but that doesn’t mean anything. They will compete very well like they always do.”
Xavi on Javier Tebas:
“I don’t know Tebas. We’ve met each other a few times only and I can’t give a clear opinion about him.”
