FC Barcelona take on Girona this Sunday in a crucial match for both sides. Both the Catalan clubs are vying for the top positions in the league, and despite their poor form in some recent matches, the Blaugranes look like they have gotten over it with excellent displays against Porto and Atletico Madrid.
However, Girona have proven their mettle this season and are not a side to be taken lightly. They are the joint leaders of the La Liga table along with Real Madrid, having accumulated 38 points up to now, while Barcelona have 34 points.
Xavi talked about this match against Girona, his possible team to take on the field in this match, injuries, and several other aspects related to Barcelona and the match in his customary press conference before the match. The main highlights of this press conference are as follows:
Match against Girona
Naturally, the match against Girona was the main topic that Xavi addressed in this press conference. Xavi understood that the match against Girona will be difficult, but was not too afraid of anything:
“Tomorrow is a big match. For some, it might be a surprise that Girona is co-leading with Real Madrid, but for us, it’s not. Míchel is a great coach, with a system very similar to ours.”
“Excellent, just congratulate them. They are playing with spectacular enthusiasm, but we won’t change too much. We’ll try to maintain continuity in our game.”
Xavi was hopeful the team can replicate its performances from the past two matches:
“Tomorrow we must try to show the same performance we had against Atlético and Porto.”
The Barcelona head coach explained that his team has prepared for this match in more than one way:
“We’ve planned the match in different scenarios because they can play in various ways and have more individual strengths. I don’t know which Girona we’ll face, but we’ll go for the match.”
Girona have been the surprise table leaders this season, and Xavi admitted they can sustain this form and pose a challenge for the title:
“Yes, indeed, they can fight for the title, and in fact, they’re four points ahead of us. I like that they aren’t afraid, the way they attack. They’re courageous, and that’s what has put them in that position.”
Xavi shared that he will put his team keeping in view the adaptability that Girona have showcased up to this point in the season:
“We’ll see how they come out. We always play the same way, wanting to press high, but Girona varies. We’ll see how they populate the midfield, whether they do it with a full-back to create superiority… We always aim to dominate, possess the ball, and attack.”
The former midfielder also gave his opinion on how he expects Girona to come into this match:
“We expect a brave Girona, a team that, like us, enjoys having possession and maintains a lot of ball control. It’s going to be a battle for possession and to dominate the game. Their comebacks? They are a team that never gives up, they know their game plan and they try until the end. As I said, they will be a tough opponent.”
Xavi also specifically praised Michel for his work with Girona:
“Of course, he would be ready to lead a big club, look at what he’s doing at Girona.”
Players, loanees, injuries
Marc Andre Ter Stegen underwent surgery last week and will be out for some time for Barcelona. However, Xavi was not too worried about him:
“No, Marc’s isn’t a long-term absence, and we have full confidence in Iñaki Peña.”
FC Barcelona have two players on loan at Girona, and the Blaugranes have a fear clause in the contract of only one of these players. Xavi was asked whether having fear clauses in players’ contracts was fine, to which he replied:
“I think it’s perfectly fine. Look at what happened with Atlético and Joao (Félix). Would you like the same to happen to us? I see it as normal.”
“About Eric Garcia? Yes, of course, I already said it last year and I also told the president, I would do it too because besides, he’ll be extra motivated against us. In fact, with Eric, it didn’t happen because it couldn’t.”
With Marcos Alonso and Inigo Martinez doubtful, Barcelona have a quite thin defensive line for this match. However, this can turn out to be an opportunity for the youngster Pau Cubarsi, and Xavi believed he was ready to play at this big level:
“If he’s on the list, it’s obviously because he’s ready to be with us.”
Both Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo have become integral players for Xavi, but it needs to be kept in mind that they are both only on a loan for now. Xavi expressed that he wants them to remain with the team beyond this season, and as Laporta has said, Barcelona will try their best to make this happen:
“If the president (Laporta) said it, it’s gospel truth. He hasn’t said anything we don’t know. We’re satisfied, no, beyond that. Both have adapted very well, performing at a very high level. Of course, we would like to continue having them next season.”
FC Barcelona have missed almost all of their starting players to injuries at some point in time this season. Xavi pointed towards the tight schedules as the reason for all these injuries taking place:
“It’s part of the competition. Every year we talk about the schedule, demands… it’s a shame, but if you look at other teams, there are always two, three, or four injured players. In the big teams, there could be five, six… It’s due to the schedule, the demands, the number of games…”
When asked about Oriol Romeu’s status, Xavi shared that he has advised him to keep working to improve his form and turn around his fortune:
“I always tell everyone the same thing, not to give up. And I always give the example of Iñaki, he’s been working and ready for the moment he’s been needed.”
Joao Felix has been particularly shining for Barcelona, and Xavi was clear that he wants him to stay beyond his loan:
“I’ve already said that I would like to keep counting on Joao Félix for next season, of course. And the club as well. As for the negotiation, it’s not my concern. But as a coach, of course, I would like to have him.”
Xavi also praised Eric Garcia for having a good season with Girona, where he is on loan from Barcelona for this season:
“I’ve already said that in his case, the clause couldn’t be included because everything had to happen very quickly and it couldn’t be arranged. Personally, I wouldn’t play him.”
“Criticism? Everything here is criticized. I think he’ll be more relaxed in Girona. It’s not the same playing here as playing there. I’m glad he’s having a great season. He’s showing a lot of personality. I have a lot of confidence in him.”
Aleix Garcia was another player that Xavi picked for praise from the Girona team that he is going to face tomorrow:
“Aleix? He’s a player I like, he’s having an incredible season. He has a lot of technical ability and a high level that suits Barcelona. Does he want to play here? Who wouldn’t want to play for a big team like Barcelona?”
Source: SPORT
