Xavi spoke about facing Cadiz, his suspension, Ronald Araujo’s injury, Mateu Alemany’s departure, Deco’s appointment, his ideal playing style, Oriol Romeu’s signing, Fati’s future, Joao Felix being linked with Barca, his renewal, departures, pending registrations and signing of a right-back during his pre-match press conference ahead of Barcelona vs Cadiz.
Xavi on facing Cadiz:
“The team is in good shape. We’ve trained with intensity to try to surprise Cadiz. Sergio is a great coach, they play with a 4-4-2 formation and a low block, and they are well-prepared. We hope to showcase our best version.”
Xavi on his suspension:
“We have to comply with the suspension. I don’t want to create more controversy. I’ve let go of my anger, and I’m focused on what I can control. I need to control myself a bit more and manage the matches from the technical area.”
Xavi on Alemany’s departure:
“I’ve known about Mateu for a few days. It’s a decision made by the club. We’ve been working very well. Mateu has done an extraordinary job. Today’s Barca can’t be understood without Mateu or Jordi Cruyff. I wish him the best of luck wherever he goes.”
Xavi on Deco’s appointment:
“I don’t want to imply that I speak ill of Deco’s arrival. It has been said that I don’t have a good relationship with Deco, and that’s untrue. I’m very comfortable with Deco. I believe we will do a very good job. Debate closed. I like Deco, just as I liked Mateu and Jordi.”
Xavi on his renewal:
“On a scale of 0 to 10, it’s a 10. There’s no problem.”
Xavi on pending registrations:
“Inigo will be back with the group next week. We’re on standby with the registrations; we’re optimistic. We’ll see if we can register Marcos and Inaki.”
Xavi on signing a right-back:
“The sporting direction knows what we need, and that’s the direction we’re going to work in. Within the limits of ‘fair play’.”
Xavi on Joao Felix:
“I feel sorry about it, but I can’t provide names. The sporting department is aware of what we believe is the best. We’ll see if we can strengthen.”
Xavi on Ronald Araujo’s injury:
“The schedule is very demanding. The other day, Pep was complaining quite rightfully. We don’t focus so much on the footballer as on the business side. Ronald gets injured in one of our training sessions. We need to prevent and minimize these absences. The duration of his absence depends on how he feels. I assume he’ll be back after the break.”
Xavi on injury prevention:
“We do preventive work, and players wear GPS devices. Araujo’s injury happened during a training match, in a sprint. He didn’t experience any issues in the Getafe match, but he got injured during a training session.”
Xavi on Neymar:
“You’re asking me about people who are not from my team. I can’t tell you anything more. I wish Neymar the best of luck.”
Xavi on Gavi’s handball:
“I don’t regret anything. Sometimes I tend to be too honest. Everyone saw it. At no point did it hit Gavi’s hand.”
Xavi on Ansu Fati:
“I’ve already been very clear when talking about Ansu. Debates are being generated that don’t make sense. Ansu is an important player and is an asset of the club, both for the present and the future.”
Xavi on departures:
“I’m not saying this because of Ansu, or Marcos… The transfer market is open until August 31. We have a challenging situation to manage with ‘fair play’. We need to align with our priorities.”
Xavi on the game plan against Cadiz:
“We’ll go with the intention of attacking and creating numerical advantages, with wide wingers. Nothing is going to change. Cadiz defends the box very well and they’re strong on set pieces. Sergio is a very good coach, and it’s going to be a challenge for us tomorrow and the day after.”
Xavi on Oriol Romeu:
“I’m very happy with Ori. He has defensive balance and is clean with the ball. He’s a very mature player, a leader, and he’s dedicated to his work. He’s a great signing for the club.”
Xavi on Barca’s playing style:
“The main goal is for the team to play better football. This requires time and maturity. Last year, we played well, but in other years, not as much. We need to try to play like we did in the Super Cup against Real Madrid.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
