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7 months ago
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Amidst the transfer speculation and uncertainty surrounding Xavi Hernandez’s future, it is important to remember that Barcelona still have games left to play in La Liga.
After a convincing 2-0 win over Almeria, with Fermin Lopez scoring twice, the Catalan giants must now divert their attention to Rayo Vallecano tomorrow on home soil.
Speaking ahead of the game, Rayo Vallecano coach Inigo Perez has opened up about the difficulty of the upcoming affair and how his side intends to compete, via Mundo Deportivo.
Considering the visitors will need a point to secure safety from relegation, Barcelona cannot expect to take Vallecano lightly.
Recognizing Barcelona’s threat
Inigo Perez acknowledged the danger Barcelona can pose in the final third but also highlighted that their attacking approach can leave them vulnerable to transitions and defensive lapses.
“Barcelona’s offensive potential is known to everyone, they subdue you and make you attentive.
“On the other hand, when they expose themselves so much and want to dominate you, it’s difficult to cover transitions and the defensive aspect.
“If there are a lot of goals we would lose out. We’ll try to make it a close game,” he remarked.
Praise for Xavi
Despite a great deal of attention bound to be on Xavi as he may potentially be overseeing his final game in charge, the opposition coach gave Xavi his flowers.
Xavi has been under the pump of late. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)
Indeed, the 36-year-old Rayo Vallecano manager claimed that Xavi has been a reference point for all those who have played in midfield and praised his approach as a coach as well.
“I expect the usual Barcelona at home. Xavi as a player has been a reference for everyone, especially those of us who played in the centre of the field, and as a coach, I am seeing different tactical nuances, with modern structures.
“There is a transfer of what he was as a player to a coach, and he knows how to transmit it to the players,” Inigo Perez argued.
