Xavi talks Barça-Real Madrid relationship, referees, Pedri before Shakhtar Champions League game

After failing to qualify for the Champions League knockout stage in two successive years, Barcelona have made a flying start to the 2023-24 group stage. A victory over Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday will see Xavi Hernández’s team make it three wins from three in Group H, although they have huge injury issues to contend with and could quite easily have one eye on Saturday’s Clásico against Real Madrid.

In his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash against the Ukrainians, Xavi discussed his club’s relationship with Madrid, referees and injuries, as well as Barça’s midweek opponents.

Xavi optimistic “some” injured players will be ready for Real Madrid

How are you preparing for this Champions League match with so many absentees?

For us, it’s a crucial match, it’s a very important one if we want to progress to the round of 16. That’s clear. We’re playing against tough opponents, they’re a dynamic team who won’t fear us. It’s not going to be easy.

Could any of the injured players play in El Clásico?

They won’t be 100% fit tomorrow, we’ll have to see after that. I’m still optimistic some of them will be available on Saturday; nothing has changed. It’s depends how they feel.

Were you expecting Pedri to be out for so long?

We’re trying to avoid any setbacks. How he feels dictates everything. If he had a relapse, it would be mentally devastating for him. He’s been on track from day one.

Referees “should be left in peace”

Are you concerned about the constant talk about referees and attempts to influence them?

We should leave them in peace. They might make mistakes, sometimes they go for you and sometimes they go agains you. But we have to support them. I believe in their honesty. I don’t like referees being influenced.

How does Gündogan influence the team?

We’re very pleased with him, with his leadership. It’s priceless to have him with us on the field.

Is it ideal to go into this match with eight academy players in the squad?

It is what it is. We’re not here to complain about it.

What does the team lose when Gavi isn’t playing?

We’re delighted with him. He’s playing at a really high level because he’s maturing. We’ll miss him.

Barça “won’t make significant changes”

With so many absentees, will you experiment with the team?

Now isn’t the time to experiment or try strange things. It’s about being practical and showcasing our way of playing, our identity. We’re not going to make any significant changes; we need to stick to the path we’re on, not try things out things, It’s been working well for us.

What do you know about Shakhtar?

First of all, I understand how hard it’s been for them because of what’s going on in their country. It’s very tough for them. They spend a lot of time away from home and far from their families. Now they have (Dario) Srna as their coach; I know and admire him. I know many Shakhtar players, it’s a team that surprised us in the past. I really admire Srna. I have great memories of (former Barcelona defender Dmytro) Chygrynskiy, who was a fantastic person. Unfortunately, he was unlucky (at Barcelona) because of competition for places and cultural differences.

What do you expect from the crowd at an unusual kick-off time (12:45 p.m. ET)?

We play for the people. We need them. We feel better with them.

Players focused on Champions League, not El Clásico

How do you keep the players focused on this game and not on Saturday’s?

It’s the Champions League, and we need to get nine points out of nine. There’s no need to tell anyone to focus.

Have you done any special work with Marc Guiu?

Both he, Lamine (Yamal) and Fermín (López) are humble. That makes a difference. Everyone trains at their best. On a human level, there’s no problem.

Do you have a feeling that everything is linked to the Negreira Case?

Ancelotti is right about what he says regarding referees. We have to be careful with our language because otherwise, we get sanctioned. I think there could be more room for discussion, for everything to be more natural, and for them to speak and explain things.

Is La Masia thriving at the moment?

We are very proud of it. There are 12 players who went through the academy in the first team at the moment.

“Mutual respect” and “admiration” needed between Barcelona and Real Madrid

Is it worth complaining about things?

No, but it comes out naturally, which is what happened on the day of the Getafe match. You get angry, which is natural. Real Madrid felt harshly treated in Seville, and that’s it. And depending on what you say, you get a two-match suspension.

What is the secret to Ferran’s return to form?

Forwards live off goals, and that breeds confidence. He’s been feeling more confident because he’s been scoring goals.

Will you play the young players all at once or put them in the team gradually?

Gradually, we need to proceed with caution.

Is the atmosphere improving (between Barcelona and Real Madrid before El Clásico)?

I think it’ll be good if the directors’ lunch returns. I’d like there to be mutual respect and even admiration from both clubs.