FC Barcelona have one of the most important games of this phase of the season ahead of them as they face Real Madrid tomorrow on Saturday. Barcelona are currently trailing Real Madrid, who are at the summit of the table, with only a single point, and a victory in this match will take the Catalans ahead of the Merengues for now.
However, Xavi will have to get a win at the Montjuic with several of his most trusted players not fully fit. Players like Kounde, Frenkie, Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Pedri have returned to training only recently, and it is not clear who of these will actually play in this most important match.
These and more subjects related to the match have been discussed by Xavi in his customary pre-match conference. In addition to the match and the injuries, Xavi also talked about the referee, Barcelona’s form this season, some new additions, etc. in this press conference.
The main highlights of this presser are mentioned below:
About the Match
“For us, it means a lot. It’s the match everyone wants to play. We’re in good form; it would be a boost in morale and confidence, and we’d surpass a direct rival. It’s a significant match, a very important one, with tremendous commitment. Everyone wants to play and prove themselves.”
About the Injured Players
“I’m also surprised; players we might have ruled out want to play. They feel better, and we’ll see tomorrow how they are. We have to wait for the list tomorrow to see how they felt after training this afternoon. It’s fantastic that everyone is eager to be available.”
About Lewandowski
“He’s doing well. I won’t reveal the lineup or any hints. He’s fine, and I’ll decide tomorrow.”
About Pedri
“Everyone feels good and wants to play, but our staff and medical team don’t want to force anyone. They want to play out of commitment, but we’ll see. We’ll decide tomorrow.”
About Cancelo or Araujo to Stop Vinicius
“We have Cancelo to stop Vinicius; it’s his natural position. Tomorrow, we’ll see. We have several alternatives, and we’ll decide.”
About Young Players
“The ones who are in the best shape will play, those who are 100%. We can’t field someone who isn’t fit. They felt good today, and we’ll see.”
About Gil Manzano (Referee)
“It seems the computer has picked a referee, and the less we talk about him, the better. It’s a lottery, isn’t it? I always believe in the referee’s honesty.”
About Madrid
“They’ve changed their formation from last year. Vinicius and Rodrygo make quick runs, and that’s what we need to watch out for.”
About the Clásicos
“The obligation is the same for both clubs. It’s a 50-50 situation. There’s hardly ever a clear favorite. You can’t predict anything. In my experience, the Clásico is unpredictable.”
About the Audience
“A full house is expected at Montjuïc, and the fans have been fantastic for a while now. This is a match where the fans will not disappoint.”
About Consecutive Victories
“It’s an additional motivation to achieve this record; we are feeling very good at Montjuïc.”
About How He Feels
“Well, this season I am calmer, people are excited, I see jerseys on the streets, and people are enthusiastic and looking forward to this match.”
About Lewandowski and De Jong
“If they are 100%, there is no problem for them to play.”
About Joao Félix
“I didn’t know he hasn’t scored against Madrid, it’s a good moment tomorrow, for him and for everyone. Joao adapts a lot to the position we want. It’s his ideal position. I don’t see him as a pure striker or a pure midfielder. It’s his ideal position, and where he feels most comfortable.”
About Oriol Romeu
“Oriol, like all midfielders, needs to be very attentive. We’ll have a very clear way of attacking and a way of defending. Madrid drops these two or three players, and we have to be very alert. Transitions are what Madrid exploits the most, and we’ll have to be very attentive.”
About Cancelo
“His losses are not due to lack of confidence; he feels important and useful, and he dares, but we need to minimize losses at the back, dare but higher up.”
About Fouls
“There is an order for fouls, corners, penalties, and set-pieces, and it’s an order that must be followed. In the end, players are human, they talk, and another order can be arranged, but there is an order that Sergio Alegre prepares very well.”
About the Young Players
“We have talked about it many times; homegrown talent is a bonus. Because of their dedication and commitment, because they feel the colors. Having people from La Masia is fantastic because they understand the rivalry, it’s fundamental.”
About Pedri
“We’ll never know the exact reason for the accumulated matches in his first year; that’s the first thing you think of, but we don’t know if it’s the main reason. We’ll never know. Injuries have multiple factors. With Pedri, we’re following the planned schedule.”
“There’s no issue with Pedri or anyone else. If there’s something to highlight, it’s that players who were supposed to take five weeks are ready in three. And above all, the players’ willingness.”
About His First Clásico
“There are more nerves, more tension; you have to control your emotions, the game’s pace, be smart. It’s difficult because the heart is heated, but a cool head. That’s the key. There’s always more excitement than usual, so that control is essential.”
About the Barça-Madrid Rivalry
“It’s undoubtedly one of the biggest rivalries; in Argentina, they’ll mention River-Boca, in Seville, Betis-Sevilla, the Basque derby… the biggest club-level match, for sure. Everyone will be watching. It’s an ideal stage to achieve great things. These are the matches we always dreamed of as kids. With courage, let’s go for it.”
About Gavi
“There’s no need to say much because he has matured a lot against us. If I remember correctly, he was sent off once in his first year and once this year. He’s essential for the team and passionate.”
About Bellingham and Joao Félix
“Both are equally important. Both can be decisive for their team; hopefully, tomorrow will be more about Joao.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
