Xavi Hernández has appeared at the press conference prior to the key Champions League match against Benfica. Barcelona is playing for continuity in the top European competition, since a defeat would make the Catalans not depend on themselves on the last day against Bayern
What game do you expect?
Logically, the other day we ended up with suffering. But seeing the match repeated, we were good until minute 82 or 83. But the previous minutes, we were better. We had personality and this is what we want. It will be a difficult game tomorrow. They have a great team, experienced and physical. It will be complicated. We are talking about the Champions League and the pace and intensity will be high. I think we can compete and that if we win, we are in the round of 16.
Is Barça superior to Benfica?
We will see it tomorrow. Talking is easy. But you have to prove it on the field. We are not in a moment to breastfeed, but why not be optimistic. If we win we are in the eighth. You have to go for the game, go on the attack and try to win the three points. But we lost there 3-0 and we know it won’t be easy. That is our reality.
Tomorrow you do not have Ilias and Abde, does the approach condition not having extremes?
We will see how Dest is doing, how is Ousmane, Sergi Roberto. They have discomfort but are about to recover. Then we will decide. But yeah, we ran out of pure ends. You can play Countinho and Demir. But we will go out with whoever it is, to attack and win the game.
Today they gave Pedri the Golden Boy. When are we going to see him again?
We’ll see. It is a matter of evolution. I’m happy for him because he deserves it. He has made a difference and is an extraordinary player. It is an important, prestigious award. And I’m glad because he’s having a difficult time. We are going to try to recover him as soon as possible because he is a key and differential player. I do not have a specific date, but the important thing is that he does not relapse again, play calmly and recover one hundred percent.
Do you consider tomorrow’s match to be the most important match in your short career?
Because it is the following. This is Barça, competing every week or every three days. We have to compete tomorrow and I see it as an opportunity. I don’t feel any added pressure. I always try to be honest and see it as a golden opportunity. And for us it is a revenge and a revalidation to say that we are Barça. It is a challenge and I love challenges.
How is Busquets?
In principle, the changes on Saturday are fine. Mingueza, Nico and Busquets. But we will have to see them this afternoon and tomorrow. But in principle there should be no problem for them to play.
Can Dembélé be there tomorrow?
We’ll see. It depends on your feelings. What we don’t want is for the players to get injured. Let’s see, it will depend on the feelings of Sergiño, Sergi Roberto, Ousmane. It will depend on them. I am guided by the feelings of the footballer and let’s see if he can help us. It would be important.
If he wins tomorrow, they park the Champions League until February.
I envision a victory tomorrow, why should I think otherwise. And for that I prepare myself. So that they see that it is an opportunity to put the team in the second round. We are in a positive scenario. Why think in a negative scenario. Well let’s go for it.
What do you say to the fans for tomorrow?
First, thank you. It seems that we have changed fields. People were brilliant. The atmosphere that I have seen at Camp Nou I have not seen in my life. I am very proud of the fans. And that has to be Barça, an environment of goose bumps.
Are you considering any system change?
In the end, regardless of the game system, the important thing is that we want the ball, the pressure after loss. That is what I want as a coach. And we have to create more chances, and so I think we have a better chance of winning the game.
This weekend United fired Solsjkaer. How important is a coach in changing team dynamics?
The coach is a fundamental piece in the team to transmit an idea to the players; He is the spiritual leader of the team. You have to organize them, convince them. In the end, the protagonists are the players, but they have to be led. What I want is for them to be happy and content and enjoy themselves. And if they enjoy, the result has more options to arrive.
Tomorrow, could Araújo’s legs be needed more?
We will see. It depends on the contrary, on the way to attack and defend. Ronald will be very important, like Lenglet and Umtiti. They are training like animals and we are going to need them all between now and the end of the season.
How do you live that they think you can be the savior?
Well, I’m very happy, very happy. I have a positive character. I’m in the best club in the world, I feel privileged. And we can compete against anyone. And I believe that, but you have to prove it. In the Champions League, but also in the Spanish League. We are Barça and we have to aim for excellence. I’m doing well … for now.
How do you see Benfica, how will you plan the game?
It’s a great team. I have admiration and respect for Jorge Jesus. It is a team with soul, with high-level defenses. We are talking about a high-level team and it will be difficult. We will try to bring the game to our idea, to press high and be protagonists with the ball, but knowing that there will be moments when we can suffer. We are going to compete.
Are you in favor of putting someone on the extreme even if they don’t have extremes?
What we want is to open the field to generate chances. If we analyze Saturday’s game, we had a pure winger and gavi or Jordi Alba gave us room to generate on the outside. And so then you have more spaces inside. The position game for me is basic.
How important is Ter Stegen in your idea of the game?
It’s fundamental. Both Marc, as Neto, Iñaki or Tenas, have the ability to choose the free man. He is a high-level goalkeeper. For me he is among the three best goalkeepers in the world. It has personality and character. He is not a captain but he can be. For me it is a guarantee. I’m glad to have him from the team.
Would you like to have a more physical midfielder?
We already have them. De Jong is physically spectacular. You just have to see Nico. Busquets, without being very strong, is one of the players who recover the most balls in the world. It is not necessary to measure 2.00 meters and weigh 85 kilos. Iniesta stole 200 season balls and measured 1.70 meters. My priority is not that they are physically strong, but we also have this profile of footballers.
Right in his second match, he already has a final. Have you considered why you get into such a stressful situation?
We have lost against Bayern and against Benfica, who are the rivals that do not remain. Let’s see how far we go. It is the reality, but I prefer to think about the victory hypothesis. Then, if we don’t win, there will be another press conference tomorrow, and we already talked about it. I already visualize that we win. And if it doesn’t happen, then we will have to improve.
If they lose tomorrow, what would be the message?
I’ll give you the answer when it happens, but it hasn’t happened. He tells me about a very negative hypothesis. If you don’t win, we’ll talk tomorrow. But I prefer to talk about another hypothesis. What I have experienced at Barça is winning, qualifying, fighting for titles … I don’t think about the negative. I am a very positive person and I envision winning, scoring goals … It is my illusion. Let me dream.
Is effectiveness more important than ever?
Gol we also have. The second line has to help us. We are going to help with midfielders and wingers. In strategy we can score goals too. The goal is everyone’s business. I’d be worried if we didn’t create chances. You have to generate them to be more effective. I have no doubts that there is a goal in the squad.
Are they interested in Bounedjah?
As a player, Bounedjah is extraordinary. But no, no. I will not touch Al Sadd players … in principle.
How important is knowing how to defend with the ball if the result is good?
Much. Vital for us. And more with the score in favor. We understand that if we have the ball, the rival does not have it and also chances can be generated. For me, it is the best moment as a coach. Have the ball. There are many things to improve.
Are you satisfied with 1-0?
Of course I am satisfied. But I would like a great game. But we are not about to give away anything. We are left with the how. We understand the result as a consequence of the game. Anything that is winning tomorrow will be welcome, but the better we play, the better.
Do you sleep more than before?
I have to say that I even sleep more than before. I explained to the players the values of respect, our game model. But this is the way.