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8 months ago
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Barcelona return to action tomorrow when they host Granada at the Olympic Saint Montjuic. Coming off a solid 1-3 win against Deportivo Alaves, the Catalans will be hoping to build on their momentum.
With Xavi leaving at the end of the season, Barcelona will be hoping to give him the farewell he deserves by pushing for La Liga and the Champions League, at least as far as they can.
Speaking about the Granada clash, Xavi said, “Granada changed coaches a few days ago. I think that with Medina they have bettered in defensive fear, aggressiveness, of duels. We imagine a Granada in low block, in need of points, that has improved. Difficult rival with needs. We need the support of the fans to continue with the good streak.”
He also spoke about his resignation, firming his decision to leave at the end of the season.
“Leaving the club? I made it very clear: it doesn’t have to change anything. The decision was right, because the club needed a change of dynamics. And seeing the team’s reaction, I think it was the right decision and it doesn’t change anything.”
Barcelona got lucky with Atletico Madrid’s late equaliser against Real Madrid last weekend, cutting down the lead against them to eight points.
With los blancos taking on Girona today, Barcelona could have another shot at slashing the lead to some extent. And if not Madrid, then second-placed Girona.
“The Madrid-Girona duel? What suits us is to win tomorrow knowing that the two or one of the two is going to drop points. But let it not happen to us like in front of Villarreal that we failed. Of course we will be pending and it is important, but the most important thing is that we do not fail.”
On Roque, Roberto, Christensen, and others
Barcelona will be without Vitor Roque, who was unfairly sent off against Alaves. The appeal against the decision did not work, either.
“Vitor Roque’s appeal? I don’t want to talk about the referees and polemics. I gave my opinion last week and nothing more.”
Terrible decision making. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Sergi Roberto will also be unavailable due to injury. In fact, if reports are to be believed, the Spaniard is set to leave the club at the end of the season. Xavi commented on the same, saying:
“Sergi Roberto leaving at the end of the season? He is a great figure inside the dressing room. In the end it will be his and the clubs decision.”
One of the most interesting changes in the starting lineup made by Xavi last week was using Andreas Christensen as the pivot. The Dane did surprisingly well, and is expected to retain his spot tomorrow.
“Christensen as a defensive midfielder is a very valid option for us. He’s a very versatile player that can cover a number of positions,” Xavi said about it.
With Inigo Martinez back in the squad, the media and fans would expect Pau Cubarsi’s role to change, at least slightly. However, Xavi confirmed that they are very happy with the teenager’s performances, and that he will continue with the first team.
“Same role. I am very happy with Pau; he has been earning the trust of his teammates, our trust, and the starting position over the last few games. But so is Iñigo. The advantage is the ability to have options and rotate. Pau will continue to participate.”
Similarly, the media also questioned Fermin Lopez’s participation, who has been receiving fewer minutes over the last few weeks despite his impressive performances in limited time.
“I am very happy with him and he is one of the most pleasant surprises this season. He participates and plays in almost every match. Pedri and Frenkie have recovered, and Gundogan and Christensen are the centerpieces, but there is an opportunity and there is a lot of competition, but I am very satisfied with him.”
Injury updates
Joao Cancelo has been recovering from a knee injury, and is evidently not participating at his level best. Xavi confirmed the same, and also shared news about Ronald Araujo, who is also apparently not at 100% fitness.
“Cancelo and Araujo have been playing with some discomfort lately but they will be ready for tomorrow.”
Barcelona will be boosted by the presence of Marc-Andre ter Stegen tomorrow, who will take over the starting spot in goal from Inaki Pena, who has been underwhelming to say the least.
“Raphinha will be available tomorrow,” Xavi confirmed the Brazilian’s presence as well.
“Lamine and Raphinha are compatible and can play together. It is true that Lamine has played a lot of minutes recently but this long week of rest has gone well for all of them.”
And finally, in news that will make Barcelona fans very happy, Xavi gave an update on Gavi’s ACL recovery, sharing optimistic news about it.
“Gavi’s recovery is going much better than expected. He is happy and positive”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
