Hours after Leo Messi's departure to Inter Miami became official, Xavi Hernández explained when he found out that the return of the Argentine star would not be a reality: "I notice a change in him in recent days, that perhaps he did not see it so clearly" . The FC Barcelona coach has asked for respect for the '10': “You have to respect him. Many times we do not put ourselves in the shoes of the other, we lack empathy ”, he denounced in an interview with Gerard Romero, from Jijantes.
“Being Messi does not have to be easy. He never has peace of mind, he always has to be a ten, on the field, in his statements… He has not had a good time these two years and he does not want this type of pressure, ”he explained. For Xavi Hernández, he acknowledges that it has been "very difficult" for Messi to make this decision, but that he is aware that returning to Barcelona "the level would be ten points again" and that now "he wants a calmer, more familiar life".
The one from Terrassa has recognized that "the illusion was generated because we both spoke" and that "all parties were excited" that the signing could materialize, but that "the circumstances have not occurred" for it to happen. "He is the best player in history, he deserves that we respect him", he has sentenced.
Xavi also reflected on the challenges for next season, in which he wants to "compete for all the titles", but which he warns will be marked by the complex financial situation of the club: "People have to understand that we are in an economic situation very difficult. Let's see how far we can strengthen ourselves." In this sense, the coach assures that "a very clear diagnosis" has been made of the team's needs and that they are in constant contact with the sports area and with the president. "I always want to be optimistic, but we are clear about scenarios 1, 2 or 3," says Xavi, who also confirms that both the sports management and Joan Laporta himself "know the names" that Xavi has put on the table.
Neymar's is not in this folder. The Brazilian's name had come to light in the last few hours, after Leo Messi's refusal, but Xavi has been clear: "It's not in the planning." "I appreciate him very much as a person, but he does not enter into our plans," he has sentenced.
He has also recognized that "the substitute for Busquets has to be of a high level" and has not shown concern about the departure of so many dressing room leaders this season: "Every footballer has a leader inside. Many times one has to leave for another to emerge.
Another of the proper names on which he has elaborated has been on Ousmane Dembélé: "For me he is an important footballer, who generates a lot of confidence and is much loved in the squad and dressing room". Xavi assures that the striker intends to continue at FC Barcelona: "He is happy here, whenever I have asked him he has been very honest with me", and highlights his character: "He only changed the whistles for applause and that only makes it someone with a lot of character."
In a more relaxed atmosphere, Xavi reflected on his calmer life in Qatar and the hectic pace of Barcelona: "Everything here is very stressful, we are going very fast." He has also explained that he naturally assumes the change of role from player to coach at FC Barcelona: “Before, the hosts were distributed and now you are the person in charge. It is Xavi's Barça, for better and for worse. Football is set up like that”.
Lastly, he did not hesitate to ensure that "Barça is the most difficult club in the world because you don't feel protected as a footballer". "If we all rowed together, surely we would have one more Champions League", she has come to venture. “At Barça nothing is valued. We have such an environment. The footballer does not feel with public support. You arrive being a 7 and automatically, without even debuting, you are a 5 ”, he maintains.
