Xavi spoke about the game against Valencia, the return of Christensen and Memphis, Nico’s development, the role of Balde, the morale of the squad, Pedri, and Pablo Torre in his pre-match press conference.
Xavi on the game against Valencia:
“It will be a difficult and conservative match. Gattuso’s team defends very well and it will be an exciting match for the fans, the coaches will suffer, 3 important points and we must not forget that we are going through good moments at Camp Nou, we have to forget the pain of the Champions League and focus on the League.”
Xavi on his Project:
“We are on the right path, the path cannot be changed, we have to continue working and the results will come, and if they do not come, another coach will come.”
Xavi on deploying Four Midfielders again:
“With a fourth midfielder we have more control and we have more possession. But using it or not will depend on the type of opposition in each match. In the end, football belongs to the midfielders.”
Xavi on the mindset of the players:
“I’ve told the players that we have to change our mindset. The Champions League has been a series of misfortunes, we’ve had options and personality but it escaped us. We have to turn the page and think about the League, we have very good numbers there.”
Xavi on the exit from the Champions League:
“I’m still positive. The Champions League is a hit, but there are other competitions left and we can have a great season. We have 4 competitions left in which we must fight to win the titles.
Xavi on Nico:
“We are following him. He is maturing and the system is going well for him, he participates but there he has competition because we are talking about a team like Valencia that has very good players.”
Xavi on the World Cup:
“There are two seasons in one. You stop for a month and a half with the World Cup and it is a very weird season that no one has experienced. We will have to adapt as best as possible.”
Xavi on Pablo Torre:
“He plays very well, he’s a strong player, he plays between the lines and he can shoot, he will definitely play as time goes on because we trust in him.”
Xavi on being trusted by the Board:
We won’t stop working, we have peace of mind and confidence. Expectations are high, we want titles and though we have lost one, we have no doubts. I have the confidence of the President and there is no other way.”
Xavi on Balde’s role:
“We don’t have subs and starters in Barcelona, he is great and he shows that every time he plays.”
Xavi on Pedri:
“He is happy, he participates well. He’s an important player. He has everything to succeed, he must use his full potential, and he does it, he is at a great level.”
Xavi on the return of Memphis and Christensen:
“Memphis and Christensen are close to returning and they will surely be back for the game against Almería.”
That concluded Xavi’s pre-match press conference.
