Xavi will celebrate his 50th match at the Santiago Bernabeu in charge of the FC Barcelona bench. He will do it at a delicate moment. In a complicated situation. In a sea of doubts after being virtually eliminated from the top continental competition. A situation that the club and Xavi himself wanted to avoid at all costs. Hence, the club, driven by economic levers, put all the money on the field.
It has not gone well in Europe. But in bad times there is also the opportunity to resurface. To rise To claim. As happened last year when Barcelona managed to thrash Real Madrid 1-4 and against all odds at home.
And Xavi Hernández, who still has saneness and optimism left for a while, launched a vindictive speech full of optimism. "I don't know if horny is the adjective. But I like playing against Madrid, I'm competitive and I'd like to continue being a player, I already said it against Inter. Being a coach is more ungrateful than being a player. It's in these games where you have to give the stature. It is an opportunity to become more leaders. You have to be brave, "he claimed.
For Xavi, focused on recovering not only physically but also mentally his team, the way to win is important. The style. Ambitious by nature, the coach does not simply sign to win the classic. "You have to win by playing well. In the way we believe. Being protagonists, attacking in the best possible way and the consequence is to win. We try not to analyze based on the result, which is what it costs, but people are very result-oriented which is normal," he said.
It's been a complicated week for the Barça coach. With many conversations behind the scenes and with the president Joan Laporta publicly supporting him. The coach from Egar, who will be in charge of the bench for a year in November, wanted to take advantage of Barça's virtual elimination from the Champions League to put a break in his project. "It's a project that has just started, it's under construction. We need calm and patience. I think we're on the right track, we've scored 20 goals in the League and we've conceded one. The notes have to be put at the end of the season". Yes, he pointed out that "more muscle is needed, but that of the brain, for decision-making, understanding when to stop, timing, not physically".
For this game Xavi wants to recover the best version of his players. Also to Koundé. "He is fine, 100 percent, happy and physically fit. He has trained hard and is available, we'll see tomorrow." He is expected to start. There are more doubts with the captains. Xavi for the first time lowered his protective speech. "Is it being unfair to them? I don't know, I try to read a little, because I know about this club and everything will be doubted. I try to focus on work and tomorrow's game. I don't know if it's fair or unfair. a game that we shouldn't have and criticism will come, we are Barça. But we must not be aware of the noise from outside or the environment. We must remain united". He also took it upon himself to remind that "no one is untouchable and that everyone must be prepared to participate."
Optimism is also enough for Xavi to protect his status. given the criticism he has received as a coach. "We have improved since we took the team. At the level of results, the pity is the downturn with Inter, because we were doing well. We are leaders in the League, without losing and the season makes me continue to be optimistic. I know where I am and I will not stop working and insist on what we're doing. I'm very honest. When I don't see it clearly I'll go home, but for now I see it well and I'm optimistic. I won't be a problem for Barça the day they think I'm not a solution, I I will go," he said.
