FC Barcelona were unable to overturn their poor form in their last match against Valencia, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Now, Barcelona have another chance to end the calendar year on a good note as they will face Almeria on Wednesday at the Montjuic.
In addition to raising the morale of the team, a win in this match is also highly needed to keep Barcelona in contention with the likes of Girona and Real Madrid for the La Liga title. As things stand, Barcelona trail the league leaders Girona by 9 points and the second-placed Real Madrid by 7 points.
Prior to the match on Wednesday, Xavi undertook his customary press conference, in which he talked about the team’s form, chances of winning the league, the arrival of Vitor Roque, and several other aspects related to Barcelona and the match against Almeria.
The main highlights of this press conference are as follows:
Xavi On Gavi’s replacement:
“What we’re aiming for is to always strengthen the squad. With Gavi’s injury, we need a player of this type, but it’s difficult. We’ll see about the fair play regulations. We’re working with Deco and the president.”
Xavi Vitor Roque’s arrival:
“We can’t put pressure on Vitor Roque or young players like Lamine. They need to take it step by step. We have to take a step forward as a team. We lack assertiveness in both boxes. The lack of efficiency has weighed us down in many matches. We need to turn the situation around in La Liga; it’s something we can come back from.”
Xavi Champions League draw with Napoli:
“We’re playing against the Italian champions. They’re in a similar situation to ours. It’s a 50-50 tie. They’ve changed their coach, and now Mazzarri, who is a bit more defensive, is in charge. It will be a tough tie.”
Xavi on VAR Audio:
“It’s a step forward in football. It’s very positive that people see what’s happening. We need to humanize the referees and support them. It’s great news for football; I’m happy.”
“I’m very happy that this rule is being implemented. If we humanize referees and they also explain themselves, it’s positive for football.”
Xavi on Lewandowski’s form:
“Lewandowski isn’t an exception in the lack of effectiveness, but here, we all fail. We’re 9 points behind compared to last season, and surely we’ve done things wrong. There’s a lack of effectiveness and assertiveness. In the previous game, I believe we’ve improved and dominated, but the lack of assertiveness in both boxes is weighing us down.”
Xavi on Girona’s season:
“I said before they were a direct rival and that they would fight for La Liga. The coach made a very good plan, and they have high-level players. They’re a direct rival to win La Liga.”
Xavi on defensive problems:
“When we’re under pressure, we have to defend well. We kept clean sheets in many games last year, and this year it’s been challenging. We need to fix our assertiveness in both boxes to be competitive for all the titles.”
Xavi on European Super League:
“I’m looking forward to seeing what they decide. We stand by the club; we’re united.”
Xavi on Vitor Roque:
“If everything goes well, he’ll join after the holidays. We’re in contact with him to ensure he arrives in good condition.”
“If the plane doesn’t take off, perhaps he won’t come… It’s a hope for the team. He’s a very good signing, and I believe he can contribute a lot to us. I don’t have time to think. Work, goals, sacrifice… he’s a player who runs into space.”
Xavi on Barcelona’s chance to win La Liga:
“I see it as recoverable. We have to avoid making mistakes ourselves. Our errors are costing us. The Valencia game was one to win convincingly. We need to end the first half of the season positively and have a better second half. Girona and Madrid are not making mistakes, so we need to take it game by game.”
Xavi on fighting for titles:
“We’ve stumbled, but we’ll fight for everything. We can get back on track, and our time will come. If we keep missing, it’s going to get very complicated, but we’ll fight for all the titles.”
Xavi on optimism about the season:
“I believe a lot in what I do. I’m stubborn and positive. I’m the one ultimately responsible, and I’m positive and enthusiastic. I believe we can have a great season. Sometimes being the Barcelona coach can be unpleasant, but if you want to be an elite coach, you have to endure. I strongly believe in what we’re doing.”
Xavi on Oriol Romeu’s situation:
“Calm and tranquility. Oriol is a very strong guy, and he’ll have more opportunities. He’ll help us.”
Xavi on comparisons with last season:
“Our focus has changed, and so have our mistakes. This year, we’ve lost points due to specific errors. Last year, we were in a much better position.”
Xavi on Marc Casado’s chances against Almeria:
“He and Fermín could be alternatives to cover for Frenkie’s absence.”
Xavi on Raphinha:
“I’d highlight his heart. He always gives his all and sacrifices for the team. He’s one of those people who suffers the most when things don’t go his way. The players are the first ones upset. He struggled in the Valencia locker room, but it’s about persisting time and time again.”
Xavi on expectations with Roque:
“They’re players with very high expectations. We’ll see. It’s too early to say, but hopefully. Hopefully, Vitor Roque’s signing will be at the level of Messi or Cristiano.”
Xavi on positives and negatives from last season:
“Both titles. The Super Cup was crucial because it made us believe we could achieve significant things, and then La Liga. The negatives were the titles we didn’t win, the elimination in the Champions League and Europa League.”
Fear about his position
“If you ask me… I see it as normal. If you’re asking if I struggle because of the position, I have to answer. I’m calm and confident. That’s all.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
