Every word of Xavi’s press conference ahead of Barcelona’s LaLiga game against Osasuna
Xavi spoke ahead of Osasuna’s visit to Camp Nou. His team are 11 points clear but he insisted: “The league isn’t won yet”.
Barcelona have a chance to pull 14 points clear at LaLiga summit on Tuesday. Beating visitors Osasuna would enable them to extend their lead but Xavi Hernández pointed out that his team are not quite mathematically assured of the title, although they are close. Jagoba Arrasate’s Osasuna are eighth in the table and still in with a shot of qualifying for Europe. But they have more pressing matters on their minds than LaLiga - on Saturday, they will face Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.
You might also enjoy
Do you expected Osasuna to rest players tomorrow?
We don’t know what team they will field because they have what is surely the most important game of their history on Saturday. I don’t know whether they will rest players, what I do know is that Jagoba Arrasate is having a brilliant season. We need to be more consistent. If we win on Tuesday, we will take an important step towards winning LaLiga. I don’t know whether they might be more focused on the Copa but we have to make sure that we are focused. And we have to build on the weekend win.
What’s the best way of managing Lamine Yamal?
Lamine is a calm person, whose feet are firmly on the ground. He’s intelligent. I don’t I will have any problems managing him. He’s a levelled-headed guy. We’ll be monitoring him, but the idea is for him to be part of the dynamic within the senior squad because I think he’s ready for it.
Is Lewandowski back?
Yes. And not just for the goals he’s scoring. I have the sensation that he feels he’s back in the dynamic. He’s taken another step forward. There are moments during the season when when you don’t feel so good and forwards need to be scoring goals to boost their self-esteem. I’d say that Lewandowski is having a brilliant season.
Who would you like to see win the Copa?
Blimey... I’m sure you can imagine. Have a guess.
Would you like to win LaLiga in Cornellà?
The sooner the better. If it happens in the derby, great.
What has been your team’s principal virtue this season?
If we are where we are, it’s because we have played as a team. Everyone has put the team first ahead of individuality. We’ve been a team, a unit and a family. That’s important to win any trophy, so that’s what I think has made the difference.
What have you made of Abde’s season and how do you see his future?
We’ll see, but Abde has matured a lot. I think he has gone to a good club to continue his development. It’s helped him to mature, to work. I think he has the talent to triumph at Barça, but that will depend on his mentality.
Ancelotti says Barça will be worthy winners of LaLiga. What do you think of that?
We congratulated Madrid for winning it last season. Professionals know that the best team wins LaLiga - the team that has been the most reliable and consistent. That’s why knockout competitions are not as fair as LaLiga. We’re getting on with what we have to do, but I thank Ancelotti for his words.
Could Osasuna’s players be distracted with the Copa final just a few days away?
Yes. They’ll be thinking about the final because it’s probably the most important game in Osasuna’s history. They will be keen to compete well. They have reached their objective in LaLiga but will want to compete and could cause us problems.
How is Lamine Yamal’s contract renewal coming along?
Good. His renewal is under control and when we have chatted to him, he is focused on Can Barça. That’s why I’m relaxed about it. He wants to be here. The new generations are more self-confident. I was quite shy, more afraid. But the young players like Yamal and Gavi have no fear.
Will you be supporting Osasuna on Saturday?
No. May the best team win. I have other things on.
Is it a miracle to win LaLiga like this?
No. It’s not a miracle because we made great signings. But it has a lot of merit. We’ve already deprived Madrid of the Super Cup. That edserves merit too. We are still in a process of construction although some people didn’t want to hear that. We need to build to be able to win.
Does City deserve to win the treble?
Yes. For me, it’s the best team in the world right now and they have the best coach.