FC Barcelona will play their third match in the UEFA Champions League group stage tomorrow night against Shakhtar Donetsk. Winning this match can take Barcelona straight to the knock-out rounds of this competition, something the Catalans have been unable to do in the last two editions of the tournament.
Xavi has given his customary press conference prior to this match, in which he touched upon the subject of injuries facing important Barcelona players, and also commented on other aspects related to the match and the club:
Match against Skahktar Donetsk
Xavi began his presser with comments on the match against Shakhtar Donetsk and held that it is crucial for the team to advance to the round of sixteen of the UEFA Champions League:
“It is vital for us, crucial for the potential qualification for the round of 16. These are three crucial points in the standings, which is the goal. They are a physically strong opponent with good technical skills. They can cause us problems, and if we think it will be easy, we are at risk of losing.”
The lack of first-team players, especially in the midfield, can give Xavi grounds for coming up with an innovative system for this match to maximize the strengths of the team. However, Xavi ruled out any experiments for this match:
“This is not the time for experiments or unusual things; it’s a time to be practical and showcase our style of play, our identity. We won’t introduce any significant innovations. We should stick to the path we’ve been on, not experiment, as it has been working very well for us.”
“Despite the absences, I expect to see a great Barcelona. We’ll see how it goes afterward. That’s what I want and what I hope for. The model is what matters, the style of play remains the same.”
Barcelona have been unable to play at the Camp Nou because it is being currently rebuilt. However, Xavi encouraged fans to keep on visiting and supporting the team at Montjuic:
“We need the fans; we play for them. If we win titles, it’s thanks to them. We need them. It’s important that they come and enjoy.”
With all the first-team absences, Xavi will be forced to play several youngsters in this match. However, Xavi believed playing too many youngsters in a single match would not be the best of ideas:
“Playing all the young players in one match would be too risky. The pressure and responsibility should be shared among the young and experienced players. We need to be cautious to ensure they don’t lose their confidence.”
One of the most recognizable faces in the Donetsk squad for Xavi will be that of Dmytro Chygrynskyi. After shining with Donetsk, the Ukrainian joined Barcelona in 2009, which turned out to be a disastrous move for him. Since then, he has returned to Shakhtar, and Xavi also talked about his move to Barcelona and his own memories of him:
“I have very fond memories of him. As a person, he’s extraordinary. As a player, he had the misfortune of adaptation; it was difficult for him.”
El Clasico is the next match that Barcelona will play after this tie against Shakhtar, but Xavi claimed that the match against Donetsk was equally important for the team:
“There’s no need to isolate anyone; it’s the Champions League. It’s vital to have good feelings and secure nine out of nine points. It’s crucial for the club to advance past the group stage.”
Injuries
Some reports prior to the match indicated that some of the players currently injured might return for this match. However, none of the injured players trained with the group in the session before this match, and Xavi explained why none of them was on the squad list:
“The injured players are not at 100%, and that’s why they are not on the list. Their progress will determine it, and I remain optimistic that some of them will be ready for the Clásico. It doesn’t change anything.”
Xavi will have to play this match with several notable absences. However, he ensured that he is not thinking of using this fact as any kind of excuse for this match:
“It’s not ideal, but it is what it is. We have injuries, Gavi is suspended… we’re not here to complain, and it won’t be an excuse.”
Pedri was the one who was most likely to return to fitness ahead of this match, but the midfielder has apparently not been able to do so. However, Xavi explained that there was no setback with his recovery:
“There hasn’t been any setback. The sensations are what they are, as indicated by the player. What we’re trying to avoid is a relapse, which is why we are being cautious. He is on the timing that we believe is appropriate.”
Refereeing controversies
Referee decisions have taken up a lot of attention this season and there have been complaints about their performance from various quarters, but Xavi was willing to allow them room for error and keep on supporting them:
“I’ve already said it, my opinion hasn’t changed. I don’t like to influence the referees. They make mistakes, but we should support them. I have a lot of faith in their honesty, and we shouldn’t pressurize them.”
Real Madrid saw two of their goals chalked out by VAR in the match against Sevilla, and after the match, Ancelotti claimed that he could not voice his concern with refereeing properly as it can lead to sanctions. Xavi agreed with Ancelotti in this instance, but still believed there is room to criticize some decisions without getting sanctioned:
“Ancelotti is correct that if we talk about referees, we can receive sanctions. Therefore, we need to be careful with our choice of words. What I don’t believe in is pressuring them, but I do think that discussing specific plays, like whether something is a penalty or not, is possible. This is football; we can talk. I also believe it would be good for them to engage in dialogue.”
Still, Xavi also claimed that complaining about these decisions does not really achieve anything:
“Complaints don’t accomplish much, but sometimes they come out naturally when you feel you’ve been disadvantaged, like in Getafe with the penalty or in Granada. In the end, they come out, but complaints don’t really achieve anything.”
Xavi was also asked whether Ancelotti’s complaints could result in the referee getting under pressure to favor Real Madrid in El Clasico, to which he replied:
“No, not at all. They believe they were harmed in Seville, and they express it. I agree with him that words can lead to sanctions. I like there to be rivalry, but with respect, without tension. We are focused on football.”
Gundogan, Gavi, Yamal, Guiu, Torres, and La Masia
Having arrived only in the last summer transfer window, Gundogan has become one of the most trusted players for Xavi. The Barcelona head coach also praised him in this press conference:
“Gundogan is having a very good start to the season, and I am very pleased with how he’s adapting. He provides composure and understands the way we want to play because he has worked on it at his former club. He’s invaluable, providing tempo and playing a crucial role.”
There were rumors at the start of the season that Gavi would have a reduced role in the squad this season, but Xavi remained adamant that he is very important and will be missed in this match:
“Rumors? You guys create them; I always said he was essential. But that’s inevitable. From here, he’s been contributing a lot with and without the ball. He will be missed, especially against a high-level opponent in terms of physical and technical attributes.”
Youngsters like Lamine Yamal, Marc Guiu, and Fermin Lopez have been having a very good season with Barcelona. Getting into the spotlight at such a young age can turn out to be destructive for some players. However, Xavi was sure that the personal attributes of these players will keep them from getting ahead of themselves:
“Guiu, Lamine, and the others are humble individuals. That’s essential in life and in sports. Marc has trained hard, as has Lamine, and Fermín, and the others who are coming up. I don’t see any issue with the human aspect of their management.”
The current Barcelona squad is brimming with players from La Masia, who are shining and also contributing significantly to the club’s success this season. Xavi was proud of having so many players from the youth ranks in his squad:
“In the best Barça teams in history, there has always been a strong presence from La Masia. In the squad, there are twelve, including Romeu. It’s a source of pride. Homegrown players have an extra level of commitment.”
Ferran Torres is having a very good season, and it seems that he has restored the confidence in his skills that he seemed to be lacking during the last season. Xavi was asked whether the goals he has scored have led to this confidence, to which he replied:
“There are two perspectives. Scoring goals is important, but not as much as believing in yourself, making runs, and exploiting the space… However, scoring a goal does give confidence to the forward. Now, Ferran has more confidence in being a good player.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
