Xavi spoke about Osasuna, the exits of Abde, Fati, and Garcia, the arrivals of Felix and Cancelo, the overall proceedings of the transfer window, Yamal’s development, Raphinha’s role, the squad at his disposal, the role of youngsters, Inigo Martinez’s fitness, UCL group stage draws, and Kounde’s performances during his pre-match press conference ahead of Barcelona vs Osasuna.
Xavi on the game against Osasuna:
“Osasuna is an intense rival with the same coach for many years. They are a rugged team and strong at home. They were eliminated from the Europa Conference League, but they have a good squad, and it will be a challenge. It’s a tough away game for us.”
Xavi on Joao Felix:
“He fits us 100%. He’s a player we have always liked. He has natural talent, can play as a ‘9’ and on the left, and can also adapt to the right. He and Cancelo can help us a lot this season.”
Xavi on rating this year’s transfer window:
“I always give it a 10. It has been worked on excellently. There were moments of tension, but we played fair. Ansu, Abde, and Eric wanted to leave. It’s their decision. We adapted to what we could. It has been a very good market for us. Now we have to prove it.”
Xavi on his current squad:
“I always have the maximum enthusiasm. I am a club man and try to adapt to circumstances. Mateu, Deco, Jordi, the president, Rafa… everyone has done a great job. We are excited about how the squad has shaped up.”
Xavi on Eric Garcia’s exit:
“He came to me and said he wanted a change, that he needed it. I tried to convince him not to, but due to ‘fair play’ circumstances, this loan happened. Ansu, Abde, and Eric asked to leave.”
Xavi on exits of Abde, Fati, and Garcia:
“We haven’t lost anyone; all three can come back. When you listen to them, you understand their need for more minutes. Here at Barca, we don’t give away playing time. It’s very difficult to get minutes at Barca.”
Xavi on UCL group stage draw:
“We have to prove ourselves. The group is of the Champions League level. We are focused on the goal of finishing first in the group. There will be difficulties, and it won’t be easy at all.”
Xavi on Raphinha’s chances of starting against Osasuna:
“You give too much importance to starting. Ferran Torres came off the bench and scored two goals. This is the attitude, and the player must understand it. There are five substitutions. Whether Raphinha starts or not, he needs to be ready.”
Xavi on Lamine Yamal’s development:
“I see him well. He is a mature player despite being 16 years old. He is aware of what is happening and is happy. The management has been very good, and there are currently no problems.”
“We need to think positively. He is in the process of maturation and growth. Hopefully, it won’t come to a point where he has to play 70 matches.”
Xavi on Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix:
“These are two players who can help us a lot. We will treat them like any other player. We will try to help them be at their best level. It happened with Aubameyang, and he was exemplary. We try to make them comfortable and treat them with respect. With a good attitude, everyone will be happy.”
Xavi on Ansu Fati’s loan move:
“He feels he needs to play. The goal is for him to succeed at Barca again.”
Xavi on Inigo Martinez’s inclusion in the squad list against Osasuna:
Inigo has made it to the list. I am very happy to have him in the squad; I believe he is a great signing. He had a tough time in preseason due to the fascia injury, but he will gradually integrate.”
Xavi on exits and arrivals:
“We are in a difficult economic situation, but we have had an extraordinary market. We have strengthened very well, and despite economic problems, we want to be competitive. I am happy and excited to have a great season.”
Xavi on Abde’s departure:
“We have a buy-back option. Abde insisted a lot on wanting to leave. We tried to resolve it, and we did it well.”
Xavi on the role of subsidiary players:
“There has been great work from the youth academy as well. There are high-level players. In Villarreal, there were 9 players on the bench from the academy. I will give opportunities to those who deserve it.”
Xavi on Felix’s situation at Atletico Madrid:
“I don’t have information about what’s happening at Atlético, and it’s not in my interest to comment. Here, we will give him all the affection so that he performs at his best. He has extraordinary talent, and we are excited. We believe he can give us a lot.”
Xavi on Cancelo’s chances of featuring against Osasuna:
“Everyone can play. The 20 or so players we have in the squad. You have to adapt to different attacking styles. Cancelo is a very versatile player and can play in various positions.”
Xavi on the role of the Sports Management team:
“Mateu and Jordi are good friends, and they have done an extraordinary job. Deco is doing an excellent job. I am on the club’s side. I want to highlight the work done by Mateu and Jordi.”
Xavi on Jules Kounde:
“I think he’s at a spectacular level. He has started the season very well. He’s a guarantee, and it gives me a lot of confidence to have him on the team. Defensively, there are few players in the world better than Kounde.”
Xavi on Joao Felix’s best position:
“As a ‘9’, a ‘7’, an ’11’… He’s a very versatile player and has wonderful qualities to succeed at Barca.”
Xavi on Joao Cancelo’s best position:
“His natural position is right-back, but he can also play on the left and in the middle. He can help us a lot anywhere.”
Xavi on his squad after the conclusion of the transfer window:
“We’ll see if we have a better team than last year, the grades at the end of the season. I am very happy. The club has done a very good job; the team has strengthened well. The players who left wanted to leave. We moved quickly to reinforce ourselves.”
“Cancelo is an established player who can play on both wings. Due to the absences of Ansu and Abde, we needed reinforcement up top. Joao Félix has a lot of talent and made an effort to come. I have a very positive outlook. Everyone has done an extraordinary job to have a competitive team.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
