Xavi spoke about this season’s objectives in UCL, his squad’s quality, memories of Van Bommel, options in the frontline, Ferran Torres’ form, Araujo’s recovery, restoring Barca’s prestige in UCL, Joao Felix’s attitude, Pedri’s recovery and much more in his pre-match press conference ahead of Barcelona vs Royal Antwerp.
Xavi on Uefa Champions League:
“It’s an excitement to be in this competition; last year we did well in domestic competitions but not in Europe. This is the perfect stage; this competition will help us take that step forward. We start at home after our best performance in terms of gameplay, and we want to maintain it.”
Xavi on this season’s objectives in UCL:
“The first year we couldn’t compete, last year we could compete but didn’t get the results. This season, we want to take the next step.”
“The goal is clear, to advance from the group stage, then we’ll talk. We have to be in the round of 16 draw; it’s our main goal after two years without achieving it. The clear objective is to try to advance as group winners.”
Xavi on his squad’s quality:
“In terms of gameplay and results. Last year, we played well but didn’t achieve the results. We have strengthened well, and we have a squad to compete in Europe, but it’s not about words, it’s about actions.”
Xavi on Van Bommel:
“I have great memories as a teammate and as an opponent; he was a physically strong footballer. He was a good teammate and a good friend. He is doing a good job at Antwerp.”
Xavi on Royal Antwerp:
They are a dynamic opponent, with a focus on the wings, and Janssen as their reference upfront. They have a good goalkeeper with good footwork. That’s why they became champions last year in the league.”
Xavi on being under pressure:
“Me? Yes, always. I have to prove myself in every game; this is Barcelona. We all have extraordinary pressure, but it’s a challenge, and I like challenges. These are challenges I set for myself as a coach and for the team. Convincing the players and transferring them the enthusiasm to give their best.”
Xavi on options in the frontline:
“In the end, it’s a good problem to have many people in great form, performing at a high level. It’s difficult to pick the starting eleven, but those who start are as important as those who come in the second half.”
Xavi on Ferran Torres:
“He told me he needed a very good preseason, that he was convinced he could give his best and prove it. It doesn’t surprise us because we’ve seen him train.”
Xavi on group stage opponents:
“Last year, we had bad luck with the draw; the group was really tough. This year, we have to prove ourselves, tomorrow we play against the Belgian league champion, a very good team. It’s a test for us to show that we can compete against anyone in the Champions League.”
Xavi on Ronald Araujo’s fitness:
“He will be fully ready to be on the list on Saturday.”
Xavi on the support of fans:
“It’s easy for the players because they are very focused on the competition, it’s palpable in their faces; the players are plugged in. We promise the fans hard work and sacrifice and making them enjoy like on Saturday, and maintaining it. The team and the fans were both excellent.”
Xavi on overall sensations:
“I am always positive, it’s in my nature. I am motivated and excited, and now we need to temper the euphoria a bit, tell the players that they have done many things well but also need corrections.”
Xavi on restoring Barca’s prestige:
“I don’t feel like I’ve lost prestige; when I went to Bayern or Inter’s stadiums, I felt that they respected us. We need to earn more respect, but last year we won the league. We need to take a step forward in this competition that we haven’t won since 2015.”
Xavi on change in defensive structure:
“Nothing changes; we did it with Koundé, Sergi Roberto, Araujo… nothing changes, the system is the same, what changes is the player’s profile and name. Cancelo gives us many variables.”
Xavi on Joao Felix’s attitude:
“As a coach, if there is no attitude, there is no place in the team. Those without attitude cannot be in Barcelona. Joao’s attitude is like everyone else’s, positive and eager to work and help.”
Xavi on Pedri’s recovery:
“Pedri is doing very well, he has very good feelings, it still takes a bit, I cannot give a date because it depends on the feelings, but the important thing is that he recovers well and is with us as soon as possible, in the best possible condition.”
Xavi on expectations in UCL:
“Both, improving in the competition and winning. We must improve and compete better; the main goal is to reach the round of 16 and play well. Saturday’s performance is proof that by playing in that way, we can compete. We will see about the round of 16, but first, we have to advance.”
Xavi on competing in UCL:
“Hopefully, this will be the turning point, and we can show our best version. If we play at the level of Saturday in Europe, it will be enough to compete. Also, at the level of the Super Cup against Madrid last year. We need to maintain the level of play.”
Xavi on his mentors in coaching:
“I have learned a lot from most of the coaches. In terms of group management, the one I learned the most from was Luis Aragonés. In terms of motivation and talking to the players, he was number one in this regard.”
Xavi on his team’s attitude:
“Seeing the players’ joyful faces, ‘enthusiasm’ is the word I see in the team. There is a lot of excitement and eagerness, and hopefully, we can take the definitive step.”
Xavi on Yamal and Balde’s renewals:
“As far as I know, they are very well on track, and there will be news soon.”
Xavi on the pressure of winning at Barcelona:
“There is a demand, and the bar is set very high. It’s the consequence of Barcelona’s recent years, of our time as players when we won 4 Champions League titles from 2006 to 2015. We like challenges, but the demand at Barcelona is immense; it’s the result of inheriting a brilliant era, the best in the history of this club.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
