Xavi spoke about the game against Real Betis, the playing time of Lamine Yamal, his renewal, having a shorter squad, Abde’s departure, rotations in upcoming games, the pressure of winning titles, Ferran Torres’s resurgence, Vitor Roque’s arrival, and minimizing the risk of injuries during his pre-match press conference ahead of Barcelona vs Real Betis.
Xavi on the game against Real Betis:
“We are in good shape. Everyone has returned well, except for the scare with Gundo, but he’s ready. We have a tough opponent, a great team, a top-notch team, technically one of the best. Isco, Ayoze, Borja… Winning possession is one of the keys. We need to win these three home games, and we need the support of the fans.”
Xavi on Lamine Yamal:
“Three weeks ago, you told me I didn’t dare to start him, and now you’re telling me not to play him so much. We will treat it like any other squad player. Bojan’s role will be important with him. We will take care of him. He has personality and a clear head. There is no problem.”
Xavi on his renewal:
“I talked about it with Deco, with the president, and earlier with Mateu. The coach also has to deliver. It’s about achieving success, and winning titles, not about long contracts. I will never be a problem for the club, whether I see it or they do. We have a great team. My renewal will be announced shortly, without a doubt.”
Xavi on having a shorter squad:
“It’s sufficient. It’s a very good squad, and we have to prove it. It’s true that it’s short, but we trust the homegrown talent, and we will make the most of it. I like it.”
Xavi on Ez Abde:
“We have a buy-back option. He left by his personal decision. He wanted to play every minute, and we can’t guarantee that. He wanted to start games. I don’t know if he will achieve that at Betis.”
Xavi on rotations in upcoming games:
“There will be rotations out of necessity. There are 7 matches in 20 days. We have a squad for that. Some players have come back from international duty, and some will get a rest.”
Xavi on the situation of Gundogan and Araujo:
“We’ll see how they are today, but they are available. Araujo is doing well, and this week he will have full clearance.”
Xavi on the pressure of winning titles at Barcelona:
“There isn’t as much patience. Barcelona isn’t the same as Manchester City. Pep knows it, surely you will demand that I win. I understand that winning is the result of a style. Against Bayern, we played excellently and lost. And you told me that this is about winning. There isn’t as much patience here as in other clubs.”
Xavi on Ferran Torres’s resurgence:
“I told him yesterday: what he has overcome is very commendable. People laughed at him. He turned the tables all on his own. He has spectacular mental strength. He’s an example even for the staff. He’s earned it; he will be important.”
Xavi on Vitor Roque’s arrival:
“Deco told me he’s arriving in January. Right now, he’s not here. We’ll see where we are in January. It doesn’t make sense to talk about him now.”
Xavi on minimizing the risk of injuries:
“Everyone has a specific plan, but this is an elite sport. Injuries happen in all teams. With Pedri, we are very cautious, but it’s inevitable. It’s normal, it happens in all clubs, in City, in Madrid. Injuries are often talked about. We have minimized injuries significantly since we’ve been here. I’m delighted with the medical and physical aspects.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
