“I showed he can count on me” – Joao Felix sends message to Xavi

Extending their unbeaten record to an impressive 13 games, Barcelona picked up all three points against Cadiz with a comfortable 1-0 win.

The Catalan giants fielded an immensely rotated lineup, as the coaching staff understandably appears to prioritize the grand showdown against PSG next week.

However, despite many starters missing from the starting XI, Barça did not face many troubles in their pursuit of victory.

And one man who particularly stole the show was Joao Felix. The Portuguese winger replaced Raphinha on the left flank and performed admirably.

Thoughts on the game

In spite of playing in hostile territory, Barcelona came out unscathed with a solid defensive showing. Felix argued that Barça were the rightful victor of this game.

“We played very well. It’s not an easy stadium, but we worked hard and we deserve the three points,” he stated.

However, Barcelona were not their usual selves on the ball, with the game embroiled in chaos. Felix highlighted the lack of control as an area of concern.

“We suffered more than expected, we should have controlled the match better. Cadiz played, and that always happens at the end of the season,” he remarked.

Touching upon his performances

Over the past few game weeks, Felix’s minutes have taken a nosedive, but his performances have been positive, both as a starter and a substitute.

“I’m trying to do my best to help the team, either as a substitute or as a starter,” the forward admitted.

“Every player wants to be a starter. I want to play more because I think that I’m able to help the team, but the decision is up to the manager,” Felix added.

Despite his diminished role compared to earlier in the season, Felix expressed optimism that his standout performance today would help sway things back in his favor.

“I showed the manager that yes, he can count on me, like he did at the beginning of the season.”

The Portuguese’s outrageous overhead kick in the first half helped Barcelona take the lead. Talking about the goal, he said:

“Almost two years ago, I scored a very similar goal in this stadium, I think I have good luck here!”

“We’re all trying our best, whether we start or not. Of course when you start you have more time to prove yourself,” Felix claimed.

What a goal. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO/AFP via Getty Images)

Looking at Barcelona’s ventures ahead

While Barcelona trail by eight points behind Real Madrid, the team has not lost hope yet, and the upcoming Clasico could prove to be decisive in the title race.

Felix claimed that the team will not give up until there is a chance to clinch the trophy. “We’ll continue to believe until the end. As long as it’s possible, we will continue fighting for La Liga,” he remarked.

The 24-year-old then diverted the focus to Barcelona’s upcoming clash against PSG, which will be hosted at the Montjuic. Felix claimed the job is not done yet, and their focus lies on that game.

“The most important part was to win, and we managed to do that. Now we think about the match on Tuesday, which is not done yet,” he professed.

Providing a reason for Barcelona not being on top of their game, Felix concluded:

“With all due respect to Cádiz, we’re in the middle of the Champions League quarter finals against Paris. It’s hard not to relax, but I think we competed well,”