Xavi spoke about Manuel Pellegrini, Real Betis, Memphis Depay’s future, winning his first title as a coach, Raphinha’s game time, and Ronaldo playing in the Saudi League in his pre-match press conference ahead of the match against Real Betis in the Spanish Super Cup Semi-Final.
Xavi on Real Betis:
“Real Betis is a team that likes to have the ball. Pellegrini is an attacking coach and they have great players and they press well. Physically they have a very strong double pivot, but we’ll try to keep the ball as much as possible.”
Xavi on Winning his first title as the Barca coach:
“I have the desire. If there are no titles this season everyone is gonna kill me. I’m really excited to win my first title. We’re in a good moment and we’re calm.”
“We will try to show our personality. The Spanish Super Cup is a title and we want to win it. We’re particularly excited about winning it and it would give us a lot of peace.”
Xavi on winning the Spanish Super Cup:
“If we win the Spanish Super Cup we will try to keep competing for the rest of the titles. Now we are focused on the Super Cup only. We must not make any mistakes.”
“We have the Supercup title two games away from us and it would give us a lot. We don’t have any injuries and we’re in a good moment, but we have to prove it on the pitch.”
Xavi on Sergio Busquets:
“For me, Busquets is a transcendental player. He is the captain. He is always there for the team. Football-wise he is the balance of the team. There is a before and an after in the pivot position since Busquets’ arrived. He is vital for me.”
Xavi on Spanish Super Cup being played in Saudi Arabia:
“We are professionals and it is clear that there is a business. I think all clubs benefit from it. There are positive things and negative things.”
Xavi on the game plan against Real Betis:
“Real Betis enjoy playing with the ball and are a very technically gifted opponent. In my opinion, they are one of the best teams in La Liga. We don’t want to lose our identity and we will try to dominate with the ball.”
Xavi on being favorites to win the Spanish Super Cup:
“I feel that we are in a good moment, but we have to prove that we are favorites, on the pitch. Betis are a tough opponent and I don’t see ourselves as the favorites.”
Xavi on the importance of winning the title:
“If we win the Supercup it would strengthen us a lot, but if we lose it would be a lost title. We are going to compete at the highest level tomorrow. We’re in a very positive moment. It would give us a lot of peace of mind if we win.”
Xavi on Cristiano Ronaldo playing for a club in the Saudi Arabian league:
“Ronaldo has signed for one of the best clubs in Saudi Arabia, but it’s a challenge. This league is very complicated. I played against several of their teams when I coached Al-Sadd. It will be a challenge.”
Xavi on the future of Memphis Depay:
“We haven’t had a meeting and we don’t know anything. I said the other day that if they don’t touch the squad I’m happy. There are no new developments as far as I know. I haven’t seen Mateu or Laporta. If there is any news, they will let me know.”
Xavi on maintaining Barca’s style of play:
There is a lot of talk about our identity. We don’t want to lose it, We want to dominate and keep attacking. But in the past, few teams used to press up front, now almost everyone presses and it’s difficult. It’s difficult to dominate for 90 minutes.”
Xavi on Raphinha:
“He is open to playing in any position and has been very important, both as a starter and as a substitute. He always makes a difference.”
Xavi on the performance of the defensive line:
“The defensive line has been key for us. In La Liga, six goals conceded is very good. We are in a phase with a lot of transitions and we must have this corrective profile. It is important that we are excellent in defense to win titles.”
Xavi on Ferran Torres’ suspension:
“Ferran Torres’ suspension is excessive, it was a fight with no aggression. I think it’s too much and Memphis’ departure has nothing to do with Ferran’s suspension.”
