In a preview conference to the game against Villarreal, Xavi Hernández assumed that the Catalan team has no margin for error, so only victory matters, in what will be the first visit as coach of Barcelona since taking the technical command of the team.
“We are not in an easy situation. We don’t have a point cushion, we have no choice but to win. We are starting a project, but we are on the right path. I’m optimistic, I think overall we’ve been playing well. I’m satisfied with these two weeks, I see an excellent attitude and predisposition. But, in the end, all coaches depend on results,” guaranteed Xavi.
In an analysis of the Villarreal team, the Catalan coach ended up making comparisons with Benfica, Barcelona’s last opponent, believing that the Spanish team will be more offensive than the reds: «Villarreal are a different team from Benfica, who defended with one low block. Villarreal usually press and have the ball. It is a Champions League team with one of the best coaches in Spanish football, Unai Emery. It’s going to be a difficult game», said the culé coach.
About the removal of the former Benfica doctor, Lluís Til, from the work with the main team, Xavi explained: «Honestly, what I want is to surround myself with people I trust. Ricard Prina, for me, is fundamental. He is the best doctor Barça has had since I arrived. We appreciate what the medical services have done so far, but Pruna should never have left. It’s number one. It’s a matter of trusting the workers around me».
Xavi also ended up being faced with the impasse that Barcelona has felt in the renewal negotiations with Dembélé. The coach of the Catalans stated that he has already talked to the player regarding the importance that the French international has for the squad.
«I had a face-to-face conversation with him and I made it clear that he is very important to my project. For me it’s very important to have him on the team. But it just depends on him. He told me he’s happy here. I hope he can renew, he is a football player capable of making a difference in the coming years”, Xavi assured.
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