Xavi spoke about Ansu Fati, Nico, Gundogan, Franck Kessie, Arnau Tenas, signing a right-back, showing players the exit door, new arrivals, playing at Montjuic, Champions League, and his renewal during the presentation of the 25th anniversary of the Campus Xavi. Here are the best bits from his media talk as reported by Sport.
Xavi on the upcoming season:
“We must improve as a team, be more competitive in the Champions League. We have the desire for revenge to have a good competition. I believe we need to take a leap in quality. I think we are prepared with the reinforcements that have come and will come.”
Xavi on the pressure of winning titles:
“It’s Barcelona. Blessed pressure. It’s normal. At Barcelona, you always have to aim for a 10, they will demand it from us. I like the demand and that we want to go for all the titles.”
Xavi on Gundogan:
“I think we all know him. He is a versatile player. He has experience, quality, and a winning mentality… He was the captain of Manchester City. He is a very prepared footballer who comes with a lot of enthusiasm. He will help us a lot.”
Xavi on signing a pivot:
“We are in a complicated situation. We don’t have the privilege of being able to sign whoever we want; we have to adapt. I cannot give names.”
Xavi on new signings:
“We still lack some pieces. We need to reinforce ourselves a bit more. I believe we are doing a good job, and in the end, we will try to have the best possible team to win all the titles.”
Xavi on competing in the Champions League:
“We may not be the favorites, but our goal is to win it. We are Barcelona. We can’t say that we have to reach the round of 16. The objective is to win it. We will try to go as far as possible. The bar is set high. The objective here is to reach the final and win it.”
Xavi on signing a right-back:
“We’ll see how far we can go. We would like to reinforce ourselves there, but it depends on the market and the fair play regulations. It would be exciting for us to strengthen the team.”
Xavi on Ansu Fati:
“Ansu, like everyone else, starts from scratch. Many players will join a little later, but we all start from scratch. We will see the players in pre-season and make decisions from there. Look at Balde, for example. We had an idea, and during the pre-season, he excelled and earned his place. Ansu has to prove that he can play for Barcelona.”
Xavi on Franck Kessie:
“I have spoken with him. He already knows the situation. I won’t make it public. He is fully aware of it.”
Xavi on showing players the exit door:
“It’s not easy for me to tell a player that they won’t be playing much or that they will have to leave the club. Right now, I am the ultimate responsible. It’s not pleasant, but it’s part of my role as the coach.”
“I am the one who decides who stays and who doesn’t. I have to be honest. Maybe they will be upset on the first day, but after a week, they will appreciate that I was clear and direct with them.”
Xavi on Arnau Tenas:
“I have spoken with him. I have a high regard for Arnau as both a player and a person. I believe he should stay. I want him to continue with us.”
Xavi on Nico:
“Nico is coming back. We will analyze his performance during the pre-season. With the new signings, the loaned players… The pre-season is the time to make decisions.”
Xavi on his renewal:
“Laporta showed blind faith in us when we were eliminated from the Cup. I am where I want to be. I am happy to be able to work here. Laporta leads all of this. I will never be a problem for the club. When they feel it, we will sit down. I will not create any issues and I will adapt.”
Xavi on Arda Guler:
“It’s the same as the other names. I can’t talk about contracted football players. I can’t say anything else.”
Xavi on playing at Montjuïc:
“I’m not worried. I want to make an appeal to the fans. They have been there through thick and thin. We will need them. I see enthusiasm in the people and a lot of eagerness for the season to start. We are going to try to keep this excitement high. We also need the support of the people at Montjuïc.”
Xavi on Vitor Roque:
“I cannot talk about him. Sports management is leading everything in that regard. Until we can make any signing official, I cannot discuss it.”
Xavi on enjoying his vacations:
“As a player, you rest much more. As a coach, you’re focused on signings, calls… We still have a few days left. We start again on Monday, but we’re eager to compete again. Let’s see if we can strengthen ourselves to keep competing. We’re on the right track.”
