Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández discusses replacements, being fired and Real Madrid’s possible Mbappé signing

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s LaLiga game away to Celta Vigo, in which a victory will move the Catalans to seven points of leaders Real Madrid, albeit having played a game more. The former Barça captain, who has announced he will be leaving the club at the end of the season, discussed the team’s reaction to his upcoming departure, was asked about Madrid’s possible signing of Kylian Mbappé and revealed he has no fears of being fired before he walks out at the end of June.

Speculation about Barcelona’s new head coach

Have you been distracted by rumours of coaches and players that could join the club?

I would say no. That happens every year. We are united and motivated. We’ll keep competing and we are united with the president (Joan Laporta) and with (sporting director) Deco. It’s difficult when there are things we can’t control, but the message from within is one of unity and hard work.

Many coaches have been touted as your possible replacement. How do you feel about that?

That’s normal, it’s logical. It is a decision that I made for the good of the club. I have always put the club before myself. That’s the way it has always been and the way it will continue to be. I think it’s normal but we aren’t too bothered about it. There’s still LaLiga and the Champions League to play for and they are competitions that we are going to fight for.

No fear of being fired by Barça

Do you think the club will respect your decision to leave at the end of the season or do you fear being fired?

My outlook is a positive one. If not, I wouldn’t be here anymore. I think that the players, apart the bad luck in the game against Granada, have reacted well. The president sees it that way. The president and Deco believe in me. And the commitment the players are showing excites me. That doesn’t mean we’re going to win the Champions League. But we’re going to compete and see how far we get.

Are you enjoying the job more since you announced that you are leaving?

On the one hand, yes, but I also feel sad because I am leaving my club. I think that the work we have done is more appreciated now. My departure means my career as a coach will be analysed more closely. I am calm, I am motivated. I’ll do my best to make this work.

In what ways have you most shown your affinity with Barcelona?

I have always put Barcelona first. Most recently, I have lost money to be able to coach Barça. When I was 18, Milan made me an offer but I didn’t listen to it. I’ve always been like that because it’s how I felt. I already told the president they could use the salary from the last year of my contract on whoever replaces me. I have made a lot of gestures as a ‘cule’ (a Barcelona fan).

Xavi on Mbappé's potential move to Real Madrid

Are you worried Kylian Mbappé will end up at Real Madrid?

I don’t have much to say about that. The only thing that has been made official is that Mbappé is leaving PSG. When it (joining Madrid) is official, ask me again. But our situation is different. I can’t say anything else.

Is Mbappé coming good for LaLiga?

Don’t ask me anything else about Mbappé, I don’t think I should talk about him.

Barça fitness updates: Alonso, Roberto, Romeu...

How is Marcos Alonso?

We’ll see about when he’s ready to play, but he’s okay. He would have had some game time along with Alejandro Balde. It’s a shame, but we hope to have him back soon because he’s recovering well.

Will Sergi Roberto and Oriol Romeu be back against Celta?

We will see. They both still have some discomfort, but they are one step away from being available again. If they don’t return tomorrow, it will be against Napoli (on Tuesday).

Champions League tie against Napoli follows Celta fixture

There are two huge games coming up.

You have said that to me several times. But that’s how it is, this is Barça. If we want to continue competing for the league title, we have to win tomorrow and win every game. And then, hope Real Madrid and Girona slip up. I still think that we can finish the season well, that’s what I’m focused on.

How do you see tomorrow’s game against Celta?

Celta are one of the best teams around, tactically-speaking. They deserve to have more points than they do. They know exactly how they want to play, they can change systems... Benítez is one of the best coaches out there.

Will the Champions League game against Napoli influence your line-up against Celta?

No. There are three important points at stake tomorrow and we are not thinking about Napoli now. There will be time for that.

De Jong and Gavi’s futures at Barcelona

Would you advise the club to keep Frenkie De Jong?

Of course. Frenkie is a very important player, he is comfortable at the club. It depends on him and the club, but now is not the time to talk about that. At least, not internally. We are not thinking about next season, just about what we have going on now.

Do you want more from De Jong?

Frenkie has played some good games, others not as good. Just like the team. We have been inconsistent. We have lacked consistency. And Frenkie is no exception.

L’Equipe has reported that PSG are interested in Gavi. Do you think he could be sold?

Gavi must stay here. He is a ‘culé' and has to be one of the leaders of the team. There is no other way. We will make an exception for Gavi, who is injured, but we should talk about the present, about the games we have coming up, not the future. But Gavi is the Barça of the future.

Barça players fully committed to LaLiga and Champions League challenge

What message do you send to Barça fans now that the club cannot compete to sign the biggest stars?

“Thank you”. We have fought hard and have given everything. I am very happy with the commitment of the players, with how the fans have treated me. They are aware of our financial situation. When I see supporters out on the streets, the respect me and encourage me. The other day they were chanting my name. They understand the situation the club is in. Regardless of the legacy the players leave behind, we have tried our hardest. Whoever comes, the fans will have to support them. I am grateful to the fans, it has been a pleasure. I would only ask that they support the team.

Robert Lewandowski said it was the perfect time to start playing well again. Do you see any signs of a reaction from the team?

I have seen that losing really bothers them, and that they are extremely committed. Losing really upsets them, they get really pissed off, and that is the most important thing. We will compete as much as we can and see where it takes us. Last year, it gave us two trophies. This time, we will see. If I didn’t see them react like that, it would be time for me to leave. We still have time to finish the season very well.