Xavi spoke about the role of Busquets, resting Pedri, benching Dembele, Gavi’s importance, Pablo Torre’s playing time, Ernesto Valverde, and Frenkie de Jong in his pre-match press conference ahead of Fc Barcelona’s game against Athletic Club.
Xavi on benching Dembele:
“We have to work hard on the flanks, Dembele has talent, there is no one like him on the wings, he might lose some balls but he can make a difference.”
“Every player we have is different, Raphinha, Ferran, Ansu, and Ousmane can dribble and beat players. Dembele will be an important player for us.”
Xavi on rotations against Athletic Bilbao:
“We want to be at 100%, we will make some changes. “There will be changes in the XI because some players are tired and we want to play with players who are 100% ready.”
Xavi on Resting Pedri against Athletic Club:
“I try to let everyone rest, but Pedri is essential to our way of playing.”
Xavi on Frenkie de Jong:
“I spoke to Frenkie. He’s a player who’s happy when he has more of the ball. I love Frenkie, he has great potential, he can be better in attack, he gets to the area, and knows how to make the last pass. He played a great match the other day and he remains consistent on that level.”
Xavi on the level of the team:
“We played great games. If we analyze the team, it was pretty good and we competed. We are getting closer to what we want. Perfection still does not exist, but we must get closer.”
Xavi on Pedri and Gavi:
“Pedri and Gavi play in a similar role in which Iniesta and I played, but we must not compare. They have a strong present and future here.”
Xavi on Ansu Fati:
“Ansu can make the difference and he has made that difference for us, he is an important player for us.”
Xavi on Pablo Torre:
“I want him to play more for sure, I would have brought him on in the last match but the conditions of the game changed the plans, we have competition in midfield and it is difficult for him but he is training well and his time will definitely come.”
Xavi on Ernesto Valverde:
“We appreciate him very much, he is a great coach and an amazing man. He has done a great job in Barcelona. It will be a completely different game than against Villarreal, it will be more difficult and intense.”
Xavi on Gerard Pique:
“I see Piqué doing well, he is ready to help the team.”
Xavi on Busquets:
“Busquets will continue to be an important player for the team, like Frenkie de jong.”
Xavi on scoring from set pieces:
“We have to work on our free kicks but we are getting better.”
Xavi on Gavi:
“Gavi is an extraordinary footballer, one of a kind. In defense, he is a wonder and in attack he sees everything. He is just 18 years old.”
Xavi on Kessie:
“We have competition, he’s good and he had his moments, but we have competition in midfield, he’s training very well. It’s difficult for him but he’s a great professional and I’m sure he’ll have his chances this season.”
Xavi on his squad players:
“There are no main players or bench players, there are only Barcelona players.”
Xavi on comparing Frenkie and Busquets:
“Changes when Busquets or Frenkie plays? It changes more depending on the opponent. Last game the pivot was the free player, but other times he’s an observer, you have to press high and cover your place and in this Busquets is the professor.”
Xavi on Ferran Torres:
“Ferran Torres never stops working and we appreciate his work whether he scores or not.”
That concluded Xavi’s pre-match press conference.
