On Friday, Barcelona manager Xavi attended the pre-match press conference ahead of the La Liga clash against Athletic Bilbao, discussing several aspects of the team.
Regarding Raphinha, Xavi said: “Having a player like him is an advantage because of his versatility. I don’t want to talk about individual players, I prefer to talk about the whole team, but he helps us a lot with our pressing. In the second half against Valencia, he made a run that helped us a lot.”
Regarding Yamal, Xavi said: “He participated in the European Championship, he has been training for two and a half weeks, and what I see is incredible. He has control, possession… players like him help a lot. I hope we don’t make the same mistakes as in the first half against Valencia. We have to put him in the right position.”
On Nico Williams, Xavi said: “It’s not my job, I focus on my players. Koundé will do a good job of limiting him.”
Regarding Athletic Bilbao, he commented: “The coach has done a great job, both with and without the ball. It’s a tough job. I hope we’re prepared, and we’ll see the results tomorrow.”
On the squad, Xavi said: “I focus on the squad I have. Always. I have to work on changing what I can change. I have a great team, full of talent, and we will fight to win tomorrow’s game.”
About Marc Casadó, he said: “Physically, he is very similar to Kimmich. I have watched many Barça B games, and I have analyzed him carefully. I like him a lot. I was impressed with him during preseason. Other players have also impressed me. I often say that I am very happy with the youth academy and Barça B. They train incredibly well, which is great for the club. All the players are doing very well.”
Regarding Christensen, Xavi said: “I don’t know why I should talk to him. He has some issues, so he is training individually. He knows his situation. He had problems last season, he played a lot of games, and we have to resolve these problems. He is a great player, and I hope he can get back to his best, and help him get to his best, not just 60%.”
On the transfer market, he said: “I often say that I am happy with this team. Today I have spoken to almost all the players, I will continue to speak to others, and make them aware of their situation. Everyone enjoys playing and is willing to give their all, and that helps us improve. We are ready for the game.”
Regarding Fermín López, he said: “Our feeling is that he can play. After playing two competitions, he needed a rest, but the rest hasn’t taken away too much of his fitness. He is ready to help the team.”
On the issue of Olmo’s registration, Xavi said: “It’s not my job, he has been working with the team very well this week. I like what he is showing, he is ready to play. We are looking forward to his return, and I hope he can get into the squad and help us. It would be very positive. He is great, and everything he does is incredible. I hope to have him as soon as possible.”
Regarding Gündogan’s departure, he said: “After the game against Valencia, we had an honest conversation, and he knew he could help us. But he changed his mind, these things happen. I know the person he is, and I can only say good things about him. He was a great player for Barcelona, and I can only say good things about him.”
Finally, on the support of the fans, Xavi said: “I think the support of the fans is very important, there needs to be interaction. This support should make us stronger.”
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