Nobody beats Xavi, neither in dreams nor in illusion. He thinks about winning everything, including the Champions League, and he transmits it. But also few know Barça and the world of football like him. That is why he mixes prudence with desire, precaution with ambition. “Of course he dreams of winning the Champions League. IM a winner. If I didn't dream of winning the Champions League I would stay at home and enjoy my family”.
He knows that he manages a very powerful team compared to last season. He admits it, applauds it and wants to enjoy it, but he also stresses that Barcelona has been going from stumbling to stumbling in Europe since 2015. “We have a great squad, but there are many great squads. You have to prove it on the pitch every day. If then I say that we are the best squad in Europe and we lose against Viktoria Pilsen then I eat it with potatoes. We'll see at the end of the season. We want to compete and win but from there to say that we are favourites….We have to go with great humility”, Xavi extended.
Optimistic and talkative, the Barcelona coach recognized that this Wednesday they will play rotations after repeating the line-up in the last two games. “The schedule is very demanding, there are many games and we are physically tired. You have to rotate and make sure everyone feels like a protagonist and important”. Those who will not debut yet will be Marcos Alonso and Bellerin, the last to arrive. “They still need a couple of physical training sessions to get ready. On Saturday they will be available to travel to Cádiz”.
On the other hand, Ansu Fati could be one of the players who will start today. “I spoke with him this Monday individually and he is ready to play. We hope that he will enter more minutes ”.
It could also be the time for Alba or Piqué, who have not yet been released this season. “Of course, they can enter and if it's not this Wednesday it will be the next game or the next. Now they are having another role but this can change”.
That Xavi makes changes in the eleven does not mean that he takes the match against Viktoria lightly. “This is the Champions League and they are a very physical rival, but very physical and it is going to complicate our lives. It's a cheat game for us considering that we're going to Munich and Milan later."
For the match Xavi will not have Pjanic either, who did not train on Tuesday with permission. He is about to sign for Sharjah FC of the United Arab Emirates. “I thought he could help us but he has decided to accept an offer to get more minutes”, confessed Xavi. His absence led to the inclusion of Pablo Torre from Cantabria, of whom Xavi had good words.
Although the one with whom he was most affectionate was with Dembélé. “I'm part of his change maybe. From the first day I have seen him happy and content. I have been honest with him and I have spoken very clearly. He is a key player. I see him happy, I am part of his happiness, but it is he himself who has changed the chip. If he has the mentality that he has now, it's easier for him to succeed”.
