Barcelona coach Xavi discusses referees and LaLiga hopes before Copa del Rey tie against Athletic

Ahead of Wednesday’s Copa del Rey quarter-final tie away to Athletic Club at San Mamés in Bilbao, Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernández was again asked about the weekend’s VAR controversy in Real Madrid’s dramatic LaLiga victory over Almería. In his official pre-match press conference, the 43-year-old also gave his view on whether Barça could still win the league and was full of praise for a number of young players who have started to make an impact in the first team, including Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí.

Cancelo and Christensen fit to play against Athletic

How do you approach Wednesday’s match?

It’s a do-or-die game. We didn’t want to play them. They play with intensity and confidence, and have a great coach in Ernesto Valverde. They do things very well, they press you, especially when they are playing at home. It’s a very tough game, but we’re feeling better about ourselves again and playing better. It’s a great tie, and I hope it turns out to be a great spectacle. We are three games away from a Copa del Rey final.

Will Cancelo and Christensen start?

They are fine, and both will have plenty of game time. They are fit enough to play. João isn’t in any pain. It’s great news.

Real Madrid refereeing controversy

What do you think about protesting against refereeing decisions?

I wouldn’t talk about controversy if you didn’t ask me. These are feelings I’ve had, and I don’t want to fuel controversy. I love soccer, I could talk about soccer all day. Analyse what you’ve seen and heard. Now is the time to talk about soccer. The news is in Madrid, not here, not with me.

Will Wednesday be a turning point?

The turning point would be winning tomorrow, the next game, and winning a trophy. The other day (against Real Betis), we were more like our old selves, we played well again. Tomorrow, it’s unlikely we’ll have as much possession; their style of play is very direct. We’ll have to compete and be alert to second plays.

Do you think referees do an honest job?

Yes. And I don’t like the pressure they are under. The controversy is related to the Madrid-Almería game, not to me. I gave my opinion.

Does the controversy affect the players?

If it affects them, let’s hope it does in a positive way. Let’s hope their anger and frustration allows them to compete better.

What do you think about a club’s TV channel (Real Madrid TV) questioning your entire career?

I have always respected Madrid. And if I have gone too far, I have apologised. I don’t like war, I like peace.

Should the Spanish Soccer Federation explain refereeing incidents more?

You have to referees if they feel pressured by the videos. They now hold press conferences. You ask me questions and, out of respect, I answer them, and then you criticise me. Ask (Luis) Medina Cantalejo (president of the Spanish referees committee) about the audios...

Athletic Club challenge

How will the game against Athletic be different?

Tomorrow, we’ll have less time to think. Valverde is one of the best coaches in Spanish soccer. It will be different; they play with a very high defensive line. It will be difficult, and they play very differently from Betis.

How do you explain Athletic’s change from one year to another?

Athletic have great players, the Williams brothers, Galarreta, Sancet, Vesga. What they do is very commendable. The players have grown with the coach, and they believe in him.

Have you talked to Iñaki Peña about the atmosphere at San Mamés?

He’s ready. He played in Turkey, where the fans shout a lot. We trust him. Hopefully we can keep a clean sheet tomorrow.

What do you think of Nico Williams?

He seems to be an exceptional player. He’s fast, scores goals, a player to keep a close eye on. He’s in great form. We’ll have to provide a lot of support, it’s difficult to defend against him in both tight and open spaces. A great player.

La Masia products starring for the first team

Should we get used to seeing the young players play?

Lamine (Yamal) is already part of the squad, (Pau) Cubarsí played the other day, (Héctor) Fort also made his debut. I see a very good generation of players coming through that can establish themselves in the first team. We have a small squad, and we’re in a precarious financial position. They have a great opportunity. The young players are ready. The young players have a lot of talent.

What did you think of Cubarsí's performance against Betis?

I think he’s totally ready. He is a player with a great mentality, he can split wide to receive a pass, he can hold his position, he has a great mentality. The second goal came because of him. A player with less confidence would have played backwards, but he picked out Frenkie (de Jong).

Lamine Yamal had a very good game against Betis.

It all comes from the coach’s bravery. He is a huge talent. When you see him train, you see that he is an exceptional talent, he’s brave, he tries things, he has to keep training. The other day, he had one of his best games for the first team. I’m happy, very happy that players of this calibre are coming through La Masia.

Can Barcelona still win LaLiga?

Have you ruled out a winning the league?

Did you see our celebrations after beating Betis? It’s difficult, and I am a positive realist, but there are still a lot of games left. Let’s go for it. We won’t give up. There’s still a league to play for.

Your coaching staff have been shown many cards by referees. Have you decided to change that?

Honestly, we try to do it in every match. We always say, “Today, stay calm.” We are passionate. We have to restrain ourselves.

The team scores many goals in the final minutes. What does that tell you?

Well, I would say we are very good physical shape, and the team has faith. We believe in what we are doing.

Do you think it’s impossible to sign another player?

I don’t think there’s any news on that. It’ll be very difficult.

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