Every word of Xavi’s press conference ahead of Rayo-Barcelona in LaLiga

Xavi looked ahead to Wednesday’s clash against Rayo in Vallecas - a game which he hopes Barça will win and take a step closer to the league title. With Real Madrid losing their match in Girona, Barcelona could extend their lead to 14 points, but the coach insists that his players are only focused on the job in hand, not breaking records - with three LaLiga records within reach.

Barcelona haven’t scored a single goal against Rayo in the last three meetings, why’s that?

We’re in for another difficult game. Their ground is smaller than others and we’ll be up against the most intense side in the league. They’re like a rock. We’ve never beaten them since I’ve been coach. They are a very intense side, very aggressive - especially at home, who work hard for each other.

Could Eric play in midfield?

That’s an option - alongside Frenkie and we’ve had a word with Casadó. We’ll see.

Why is it so difficult to play in Vallecas?

There’s less space, there are a lot of deflections, second balls... Playing there is not easy, but we know what we can expect and we’ve warned the players.

How’s Dembélé?

He’ll be back on Saturday. He’s perfect. Andreas too.

Are you aware of just how well Barça are performing? Only nine goals conceded, on course for 100 points...

Yes, I think so. The fans that go to Camp Nou and the people on the street are aware of the economic and institutional difficulties we’ve had. We haven’t won anything yet, there are still points in play but if we win LaLiga, it won’t just be amazing, it’ll be doubly amazing. Every win is a step forward.

Are you looking to break records?

Remember where we were at this stage last season - now we have already qualified for next season’s Champions League, with eight games left to play. That’s the comparison we should be making. I’m not thinking about the number of goals we’ve let in, or breaking the record for the number of 1-0 wins, or reaching 100 points.

Do you think Tebas will help Messi to return?

That’s a question for the president of LaLiga, not for me. There are rules to be obeyed but there’s no help here.

Do you think there is too much focus on planning the squad for next season than the day-to-day?

Our aim if to win LaLiga, which was our principal objective from the outset. But I don’t worry about things that are out of my control.

Ancelotti said yesterday that in terms of quality, there isn’t 11 points difference between Barça and Madrid...

I completely agree with him, he’s right. I don’t take it as a criticism. I take it as a compliment. It says a lot about what we are doing in LaLiga.

Messi visited Barcelona this week and was spotted having dinner with Jordi Alba and Busquets.

I showed up for the dessert later on! (laughs)... They haven’t told me anything. We’re focused on Rayo tomorrow, we’ll have a battle on our hands.

Would it be a gift for you to coach Messi?

It’s a hypothesis, but something I’m not thinking about. I appreciate the question, what a question... but I’m focused on Rayo Vallecano. I have a great relationship with him but no, it’s only about Rayo at the moment.

Does it annoy you being called ‘The Gardener’?

No, I’d rather be called a gardener than some other names... But I won’t stop thinking the way I do. It goes back a long way. I won’t stop until football is fairer. In a few years from now, we’ll have our hands on heads watching back the things they are doing now.

Once the league’s won will you have a meeting about your future?

I have a year left to run on my contract. I have a good relationship with the president. There won’t be any problems.

Have you calculated when Barça can win LaLiga?

No I haven’t thought about that. I want to win it, but it won;t be easy. There are still points left to play for. If I could choose, it would be better winning it when we are at home.