Barcelona coach Xavi, spoke to the press ahead of their game against Galatasaray on Thursday night in the Europa League.
Xavi on meeting Galatasaray
“We’re looking forward to the match against Galatasaray. It’s not the UCL, but we’re playing with hope, with good dynamics and if we continue like this, we should be in a good position soon.”
“The team would be in a better place had I arrived earlier? I don’t know, I thank Laporta for his words, I’m delighted with him. He’s a brave president and a natural leader. A person who is up to the task.”
He continued, “Galatasaray coach Domenec Torrent? ‘Dome’ is a friend. We were together in Qatar watching our training sessions and his style is very similar to ours. He needs time, though and has a lot of ability to do well.”
Xavi then discussed Barcelona’s chances of winning the Europa League saying: “I don’t see us as favourites in the Europa League. We don’t know the competition, we’ve never won it. Sevilla are more favourites than us. Sure, we are one of the candidates but this is not about moments. You have to prove it on the pitch, every game is an exam.”
He added: “Tomorrow, there will be changes in the XI, there are players who are tired and who accumulate many minutes. Up top and in midfield, we have a range of possibilities that we have to take advantage of.”
Xavi on contract extension of Araujo and Gavi
“Araújo and Gavi’s renewals? They are two very important players. The club is working very well and they are a priority. It is a process. Sometimes negotiations drag on. We hope for the good of the club that there is an agreement. It’s a matter of time, I think.”
Xavi on Messi returning to Santiago Bernabeu
Xavi: “Messi returning to the Bernabéu tonight? Messi has done wonders not only at the Bernabéu, but everywhere. Yes, I will watch the match between PSG and Real Madrid. I wish Leo and Neymar the best.”
Xavi: “I can’t lie, I will be watching Madrid-PSG tonight. I won’t be going out for dinner! It’s a great game. Hopefully the best team wins, but if Messi and Neymar’s team win even better!”
Xavi on competition for Ter Stegen
“Ter Stegen’s competition? Everyone needs competition. Competitiveness is needed because that way everyone improves. When you look to the sides and see that someone else does it better, you want to improve.”
Xavi on Koeman
“Koeman’s style? I’m satisfied, we’ve made a big change. Koeman, who was the last coach, had a different game model and there were things to change, which took time. The team has improved a lot, but we have not done anything yet.”
He added, “Koeman was a brave coach, he opted for young players who have established themselves and he made that decision. I only have good words for him, but I cannot get into his relationship with the president.”
Xavi on players who are playing less
“I feel bad for putting players on the bench who train well, like Braithwaite, Riqui, Mingueza, and Eric. I insist that they must continue training hard.”
Xavi: “It’s always a good time to sign for Barça. It’s the best club in the world. I insist that I have not seen any player who says he doesn’t want to play for us.”
Xavi on Haaland
“Haaland? When you talk to any player, you tell him what’s here, our way of playing, of training… Let him know that this is the best club, the city is wonderful.”
The Barcelona legend then went a step further and added that he has not seen any player refuse to join the club. “I’ve seen no player who said ‘no’ to Barcelona,” he said.
Xavi on Alves
“Alves is the player with the most titles in history and his work is admirable. He is a captain without the armband and we will decide about his extension at the end of the season, not now.”
Xavi on Ansu Fati
The former Barca player and now a coach said: “Ansu is in the final part of his recovery, and we will see if he can start working with the group soon.”
Xavi on winning La Liga
Xavi reassured Barcelona faithfuls that it’s still possible to win La Liga. The former midfield maestro said: “Winning La Liga? It’s very difficult, but not impossible.”
