Barça took another important step on their way to being League champion with a win at Villarreal, but once again suffered, with a tight 0-1 in a game with many alternatives in both areas. The Barça coach, Xavi Hernández, was "satisfied", although he regretted "more pause" and hitting the "last pass".
"It was a very difficult game. Villarreal played us face to face. They made practically individual markings. In recovery after loss we have been perfect, but we have not been successful in the last pass. They exposed themselves a lot. It was a play goal from us or from him. I'm satisfied, but we needed more pause and a better choice of the last pass", analyzed the man from Terrassa at the subsequent press conference.
The man from Egar assured that from his position on the bench "he saw many passing options" in the opposite area. "When you don't score the second you suffer. I'm happy, it's an important victory", added Xavi, who praised the choral effort of his pupils: "The first defender is Lewandowski. Then the midfielders and finally the defense and a Ter Stegen who is splendid. We leave without conceded great chances".
"We are very solvent, serious, hard-working and supportive to win these games," said the coach, in addition to spreading praise. He defined Araújo as an "extraordinary" defender and indicated that "with the ball he is the one who has grown the most in the team. He called De Jong a "total" midfielder full of "confidence" and Pedri, the goalscorer at La Cerámica, he assured that he is "an innate talent that is giving many things".
Barça is the outstanding leader of the League with 11 points ahead of a Real Madrid team that has one game less, against Elche next Wednesday. "There is a world left, although we are on a very good run", assessed Xavi who did not want to throw the bells on the flight about the league title.
Lastly, the coach dedicated a few words to Manchester United, his rival next Thursday in the round of 32 of the Europa League. "I also see that they arrive at the best moment of the season. They are a great team and it will be difficult," he concluded.
Check the Santander League table.
