A very demanding and demanding Xavi appeared in the press room of the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg. Still angry about his team's game in Anoeta, he came to ask his players to be more regular, more constant and more intense. “We have to have control of the game, be with more intensity, more conviction and press harder from above. The positive thing is that we had faith and courage but the first part of Anoeta is not acceptable. Let it serve as a turning point for us,” stressed the Barcelona coach.
The man from Terrassa hopes to see a recognizable team this Tuesday in Hamburg, one that responds more to the parameters of his football. “There are games in which we have not been at the level that is required of us. We must dominate the game, it is something that goes beyond the game, imposing our identity. For me that is the key.”
What better scenario than the Champions League for that reaction to be realized, with the classification on the verge of candy. “It is important to qualify now to do our homework like we are doing (9 out of 9). Qualification is the first objective and it is an opportunity that cannot be missed. It is a fantastic occasion. We also want to be first. “It is a very good opportunity.”
After two years of being at the helm of the Barcelona team (it will be this Wednesday), Xavi believes that his team is still in the formation phase. “We are halfway to recovering excellence, halfway to recovering a great Barça, especially in Europe,” the coach reasoned. He stressed that his mirror match is the Spanish Super Cup last season against Madrid. “It was our turning point for the players to finish believing in the project. “We played well, we won and we won a title against our eternal rival.” In order for matches like this to be repeated, Xavi asked his team to be ambitious. “We have to demand more of ourselves and be more constant to get closer to that ideal.”
With the recovery of footballers like Pedri Xavi he thinks that his team has to grow. “It is normal that such important absences and also the presence of these players are noted. Pedri improves everything. Things happen with him,” he praised.
Things have also been happening with Cancelo, such as his change of position. “He is going to return to the side, whether right or left, playing further forward was a tactical issue in the last few games.”
Jules Koundé made a similar analysis of the team's situation. “We know that we have to improve and that we have not left good feelings in the last games but we have no doubts. We knew how to suffer and responded to the difficulty. Throughout the season there are games in which you play well against an opponent that does. Tomorrow (this Tuesday) we want to win and show our best version. “It is a super important game.”
Regarding the aspects that could be improved, the Frenchman cited the release of the ball. “We have to communicate more, be more mobile and take throw-ins more effectively.” To this he added the mental aspect. “We cannot disconnect, we have to be more focused because we concede more than last year.”
Koundé did not hide his satisfaction at playing primarily as a center back this season. “We had a conversation with Xavi and I expressed to him that as a center back I think I can contribute the most to the team, but I am at the coach's disposal. “I will never refuse to play right back.”
