Xavi pre-game press conference ahead of Barcelona - Las Palmas in LaLiga

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández spoke to the media ahead of his side’s LaLiga tie against Las Palmas. The coach gave a fitness update on his squad as well as analysing the upcoming fixture. He also mentioned his future - again - and spoke about the talent of young winger, Lamine Yamal.

What type of match are you expecting against Las Palmas?

The players have returned all OK, fortunately. Tomorrow we play against an opponent that play very good football, they have personality, they don’t give balls away. They are a team with very Barça DNA, with technically gifted players. It will be hard for us to get the ball from them. They come with little to lose and a lot to prove.

Koundé, Araújo and Ter Stegen fitness update

All three are fine. Andreas (Christensen) won’t be able to make it, but we’ll see. Marc’s injury was a scare.

Is this game a potential banana skin?

Yes, especially because they’re coming back from the national teams. I’ve told them to forget about [the pressure], there are two trophies at stake and we’ve been competing very well over the previous two games, with excellent moments of play. It’s a very important match to keep fighting for LaLiga.

Lamine Yamal was applauded by the Bernabéu crowd, what do you think of that?

Lamine is calm and very measured. He is taking everything that happens to him very well, with the humility to keep improving. He has the quality to be a benchmark and truly special player. He can mark an era at Barça and in football.

How do you see Robert Lewandowski?

Robert is a natural leader, who has always helped us and always works hard. He is in great form. The other day he playhaded one of his best games for Barça. He’s in good physical shape and he’s vital for us.

Are you worried about the quick turnover between tomorrow’s match and the PSG game?

We have to get back into club mode. We’ve still got PSG to play. We have to focus on LaLiga because we want to fight for it and we think we can do it. We have to put pressure on Real Madrid.

How do you deal with the international breaks?

It’s positive to have days to train and prepare well for the match against PSG but we are focused on tomorrow’s game, which will not be easy. They will press us. It’s a good test for the rest of the season.

How do you handle Lamine Yamal’s impact and progression?

Well, just like the rest of the players. We do physical strength work. He is a teenager. He’s a cheerful boy, a joker, he’s taking it all in his stride, he’s happy and the group help him and has accepted him very well. There are no problems, it’s all positive.

Could Gündogan be rested and how do you rate his season?

His season has been excellent. He gives us calmness and provides the tempo. He has been the difference in many matches. He is essential for the team. Tomorrow would not be the ideal day to rest him, so he will most likely be involved.

Will Ferran Torres be back?

He’s fine, he’s feeling very well. He will make the squad list. I’m very happy for him, because he’s important for the team.

What goes through your mind when you see that the club want you to continue?

I’m very grateful. Nothing changes. I’m grateful to Laporta and Deco. The word I have is gratitude.

What is Lamine Yamal and Cubarsi’s ceiling?

Their challenge is to stay in elite football for many years. They have the skill, the conditions and the mentality. They are two players to mark an era in Barça and world soccer.

What is your assessment of Vitor Roque’s three months at the club?

This week we have trained with him on the wing and as a nine. He is doing very well, he has a great capacity to adapt. Whenever he has played he has always contributed important things for the team. He has contributed goals and assists. The other day he caused a sending-off.

Which players would you sign from PSG?

Many could play [for Barcelona] because they are two teams at a similar level.

Could Lewandowski be an example for Vitor Roque?

Yes, and I think they both have a good understanding. Robert is a player who can drop and Vitor can go into space and benefit from Lewandowski’s movement. They get along well in the dressing room.

Are you training harder at this stage of the campaign?

After the match against Las Palmas we will increase the intensity and physical level of work. We have not been able to work with the whole group for a while now.

How are De Jong and Pedri doing in terms of their recovery?

Frenkie is very important for us. He understands our game very well. We have missed them. They are key players for the way we play.

Is it true that you have reported two journalists?

I understand the criticism and where I am, but only to a certain extent. I will neither tolerate lies nor make things up. It is time to say enough is enough. These are very big lies.

How important is the return of Ferran Torres?

He can play across our five attacking positions and he has played in all five. He can receive to feet or in space. He has given us a lot and will continue to do so.

Barcelona take on Las Palmas at Montjuïc on Saturday 30 March. The game is set to kick-off at 4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, play a tough game against Athletic Club the day after (kick-off 3pm ET/12 noon PT.). Carlo Ancelotti’s side cannot afford to slip up as the race for LaLiga continues. You can follow both games live on AS USA.