Xavi spoke about Messi’s return, Lewandowski’s form, Griezmann’s impact, returning injured players, and La Liga title contention in his pre-match conference ahead of the home fixture against Atletico Madrid.
Xavi on Atletico’s quality:
“Atletico have a great team. We are up against a top opponent. They are perhaps the team in the best shape right now.”
Xavi on the need to return to form:
“We need to be recognized again, find our identity and it’s a game that motivates a lot to let us know that we’re there after a few games where we weren’t at our level.”
Xavi on the inclusion of Lamine Yamal in the squad:
“Lamine Yamal is a player who can help us despite his age. He has a lot of personality and talent, he is a footballer who can mark a milestone in the club. Young people are crazy. They are not afraid of anyone. I see a terrible self-confidence in Lamine.”
Xavi on the need for a reaction on Sunday:
“It’s a match to react, to say that we want to win this Liga.”
Xavi on Atletico’s La Liga hopes:
“If we win this Sunday, Atlético will have few options to fight for La Liga. Every game has to be a hit on the table. We can’t let up.”
Xavi on Leo Messi’s return to the club:
“I’m not aware of all the talk about Messi. What I have to do is work and think about the immediate game, not next year or transfers. For me, it’s not time to talk about Messi.”
Xavi on Dembele and Christensen’s return date:
“Dembele is almost fit. This week we’ll bring him back. Christensen is also almost 100%.”
Xavi on Pedri and Frenkie De Jong’s return to the squad:
“Tomorrow we’ll see if Pedri and Frenkie start or not. Frenkie is fundamental. It’s huge to have him, like Pedri. He helps us find our identity. He helps us to initiate our game in midfield. Pedri reminds me a lot of Iniesta.”
Xavi on Robert Lewandowski:
“Lewandowski is fine. He’s motivated. He’s looking for solutions to improve the team. We’re very happy with him.”
Xavi on Carrasco’s importance for Atletico:
“Carrasco is a great player. He works a lot because sometimes he has to cover the whole left side. He is a hardworking player who takes part in the game and helps his teammates. Tomorrow we could have problems if we don’t stop him.”
Xavi on Griezmann’s quality:
“Griezmann is one of the best players of Atletico Madrid. I would highlight the Atlético block and individuals such as Griezmann, Koke, the central defenders, and Oblak himself.”
Xavi on trolls about his dry grass comments:
“You like to laugh at it, but the dry grass has an effect. Those who play professional football are aware of this. It’s not an excuse I complain about bad grass even when we win. Ask their coach why they didn’t water the grass. Even if you publish 200,000 jokes about it, I don’t care, I won’t budge from my opinion.”
Xavi on Laporta’s meeting with Alexander Ceferin:
“The president has told me everything is fine and there is no concern. Everything is calm.”
