Xavi Hernández appeared a few minutes after the Copa del Rey draw that matched Barcelona with Ceuta, another RFEF First team, such as Intercity, and before visiting Atlético de Madrid in the Metropolitan, where the blaugrana have not won since 2019. But in the Barça environment the scare in Alicante is still being discussed. “I almost tripped? This really is good. We avoid ridicule and others pass the tie ”, lamented the interpretation of the classification. More seriously, the coach denied that he considers that his team lacks foremen in the locker room or bosses on the field. “We don't have a leadership problem,” he said.
The man from Egar intervened so that he does not fall into a habitual confusion, the one that equates shouting with commanding. “To show leadership you don't need to raise your voice, just show personality. Iniesta, for example, wanted them all. Araújo, Ter Stegen, Busquets, Alba are the ones who speak the most. We have young people and each one has their well-defined role. I don't think we have a leadership problem, ”he reflected, about the delicate moments at Rico Pérez.
Barcelona's coaching staff insists that the team's play in the derby and in the Cup was good, but that it must be accompanied by attitude. “I think it is a mental issue more than a game one. When you are so superior to your rival, you have to kill the party. You have to be forceful in those areas, in both. It is what we are missing at this start of the stage (after the World Cup) ”, he analyzed.
That lack of effectiveness in front of goal and those specific errors in defense can be two dangerous defects this Sunday against Atlético. “It is a well-worked team, with a direct game and Cholo changes his system a lot. It is a very chameleonic team. Defensively they have no gaps, they are almost perfect. They are a rock. It will be difficult for us to create chances. That is why you have to take advantage of them ”, he warned, especially due to the loss due to suspension of Robert Lewandowski, author of 18 goals, 13 in the League.
In defence, the Barça coach, who won't be able to count on Jordi Alba either, wants the best side to be seen. “Conceding three goals cannot happen against an inferior rival. In the League we are very connected. We have only conceded 6 goals and two have been penalties ”, he put as homework.
Xavi did not want to give clues as to how he will replace the Pole or if Busquets, after playing all the extra time in Alicante, will rest. “It is an important game but not transcendental. He will not decide but we would hit the table by winning at the Metropolitan ”.
Lastly, Xavi was indeed satisfied with the Cup draw, which brought him a visit to Alfonso Murube in Ceuta, where he played in January 2001 (0-3). “We have been lucky for the first time since I have been here. We have had a rival of lesser category. You have to show it on the field. We have the example of the other day in Alicante recently”.
