Xavi on City-Madrid: “I don’t like the word, thrashing”

Xavi Hernández chatted to the media on Friday to look ahead to Barcelona’s next game, against Real Sociedad at Camp Nou on Saturday night. With celebration for clinching LaLiga now over, the Barça coach has turned his attentions to what lies ahead for his team.

How will you be confronting tomorrow’s match?

We’re happy, proud. And tomorrow’s game is all about enjoying this moment. It’s time to celebrate with our people, like we did the other day on the parade, which was incredible. The league trophy will be handed over tomorrow but before that, we have a game to play and we want to finish the day on a high note and feeling good.

What happened with Mateu?

Mateu was very clear about everything. He told us that he wanted to be here, that he realised that Barça is a great club and that he wanted to come back. And that’s it. I’ve always said that Mateu is an extraordinary person, a real grafter who has restored order at this club and so it’s very good news for Barça. Jordi will be leaving. We can’t give you any more details at the moment. Mateu is staying… we’ll see what happens tomorrow. But that’s the situation.

What qualities do you admire in Zubimendi?

I like everything about La Real. Zubimendi is an extraordinary midfielder. He wins battled, he has a great understanding of the game, both with and without the ball. He’s a wonderful player.

Did you watch the City-Madrid game? Do you think winning the league is even sweeter after seeing Madrid thrashed 4-0?

I’d imagine that a lot of culés will be very happy about it. For professionals, those of us on the inside, the gauge is seeing the people out on the street happy and full of enthusiasm. Seeing that excitement is something you can’t buy. For us, all we are interested in is doing things well. I wouldn’t change those moments for anything. And you need to remember where we were this time last year. We’ve won the league, the Super Cup… Right now, I wouldn’t change any of that for anything.

How was the parade?

I was surprised to see so many people, but when you think about it, it’s understandable because we hadn’t won any silverware for four years. So there was a real desire to put that right. This club is pure passion, we have generated excitement and the people have taken to the street. A lot of suffering went into winning this league and it was the moment to celebrate it.

Has this been your happiest week on the Barça bench?

Yes. I was also very happy when we won the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia because that brought us calm and with that, stability. It’s been a magical week. I would like to congratulate the president for having a competitive team. And the players, who are the real protagonists.

Did City’s thrashing of Madrid remind you of anything?

I don’t like the word thrashing in football. It’s not constructive. City showed that they were the superior side on the night and made the most of it. For me, they are the best team in the world.

Have you spoken to the club about renewing your contract?

It’s not going to be a problem. My contract and my staff’s contracts are not a priority. It won’t be a problem for Barça. I’ve read that there are discrepancies. But it won’t be any problem for Barça.

Do you think Barça have had a better season than Real Madrid?

Feel free to write that if you want to. We’ve had a great season but the only rating we do is among ourselves, not others. There’s no point making comparisons with other teams.

Did you celebrate winning LaLiga a lot?

I have no voice left, now I can’t do any more celebrating. We celebrated it well. The players realise the magnitude of this club. That’s the best way of gauging what this club is about.

Do you see yourself in the Barça for a long while or just in the short term like Guardiola?

I’d stay for the whole of my life if I could but this job depends on performance and results. It’s been a brilliant season. I have gained credit to continue, but this is all about results. This is the most demanding club in the world. I am still excited about achieving even bigger things. But it will all boil down to the results.

Will any players be under the spotlight in these four remaining games, or have you made a decision on what happens next with the squad?

Everything’s been decided almost 100%. It’s not going to have much of an effect at this stage. It’s important to end the season well but nothing’s going to change with these last four games. The small objectives remain important - to end as the team to have conceded the least goals, Robert Lewandowski for the Pichichi, Ter Stegen, the best keeper...

What mark would you give the team?

I will mark myself. As for the team, good but could do better, because we didn’t reach our expectations in Europe.