Xavi Hernández has found the best way to protect Barcelona from the arbitration controversy over payments to former referee Enríquez Negreira. He wears yellow and blue, his name is Cádiz and he is playing this Sunday at the Camp Nou. “We have not discussed this issue with the group, really. We have made a Cádiz isolation. We have talked about Cádiz, we have seen a video of Cádiz, we have focused on Cádiz alone, ”he explained, very focused on the game against Sergio González's team.
The leader does not want to lose even an inch of his comfortable income in the standings, because he does not consider the fight for the League title closed. “We still have to win the League. It depends a lot on us right now," he made clear.
The blaugrana have gone 17 games without losing, partly due to the great balance they have found with the tactics of the four midfielders. But Xavi categorically denied that he is protecting himself or prioritizing not conceding goals. “Many times I have heard that we are a defensive team and it seems incredible to me. We are the most attacking team in Europe, along with City”, he said.
The coach was also in charge of clarifying that “I have never used 4-4-2 in my life. We don't attack or defend like that. There are two players always open, be it a winger, a winger or an interior. If we take a photo, it will be seen perfectly, ”he explained.
The man from Egar, who is recovering Busquets, announced that he will carry out rotations, partly due to the suspension of Araújo and the injury to Pedri, who will be out for a month. “Pedri has the pause and the tempo, the ability to play in the opposite field and to string together. He was also giving last passes and with a goal. He is a sensitive casualty. Let's hope that last season doesn't happen to us and we don't miss him so much, ”he wished.
In this sense, Xavi put Franck Kessié as an example for players who have fewer opportunities. “He has been professional, he has waited for his moment, without any bad face. He is an example. And now that it's time for him, he's giving up."
Some of these players are Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati or Eric Garcia, who have options to play against Cádiz. “When a player is in a process of low form, he does not have the performance that is expected, you have to trust him. When he comes out, he will notice the confidence, ”he said in reference to the Valencian striker. The same goes for Fati, who hasn't scored in the League since matchday 10. “He has the ability, you have to give him confidence. The performance will mark his future at the club. We have high hopes that he will be a very important player for the club."
Xavi also defended Robert Lewandowski, who has only scored in one of the last five games. “I see Lewandowski very well. Before he was extraordinary. But that doesn't mean he's not okay now. Perhaps you have to play with him more because any ball in the area makes it good, ”he analyzed.
