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8 months ago
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Barcelona came out with a solid 1-0 win over Cadiz to certify their winning streak, as the Catalans have now lost zero of their last 13 games.
While Xavi Hernandez was not present to guide his team from the sidelines, he shared contentment with how the team performed and praised Barça’s approach to the game in the post-match conference.
Dissecting the performance
“We played a very good match, with serious intentions to put pressure on Real Madrid,” Xavi said.
The Spaniard highlighted that Barcelona were well-placed to score more goals and the 1-0 scoreline flatters Cadiz.
“The result is low, we could have scored more goals. We were very good.”
Joao Felix celebrating his goal vs Cadiz. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO/AFP via Getty Images)
Xavi added, “We have improved our positional play a lot.“
Pedri and Cubarsi
Pedri made a notable difference since being brought on around the hour mark, as he added value to Barcelona’s possession and controlled the tempo of the game.
Commending the youngster’s performance, Xavi said, “Pedri has the ability to control the match with a touch. He knows how to find the best option. He’s a different player, someone that rarely loses the ball.”
Despite featuring regularly over the weeks, Pau Cubarsi started the game. Still, Xavi justified his involvement by stating he is less fatigued due to his late entrance to the first team.
“Cubarsi is less fatigued than the rest of the squad because he didn’t play as much at the beginning of the season.”
Moreover, the coach made sure to give Cubarsi his roses as the teenage sensation once again produced an excellent exhibition in the heart of defense.
“I think that Cubarsí will mark an era at Barça. When we get pressed high, he always picks the right option. He corrects very well, wins duels… it doesn’t look like he’s 17 years old at all,” Xavi remarked.
On the La Liga race
While Barça must overcome an eight-point deficit to become league leaders, Xavi professed that the team will proceed to fight, and today’s win is worth its weight in gold.
“We’re playing for the league, we want to compete for it. The ability to reduce the point difference depends on us in El Clasico. Today’s result was essential.
“I want to enjoy these three points, they are essential to challenge for the league,” the 44-year-old included.
Xavi may be resolute in his decision to depart at the end of the season, but he still takes immense pride in observing the current state of his team, especially considering their drastic turnaround.
“I feel proud when I see the state of my team,” he confessed.
On the foreseeable future
When asked what’s up next, Xavi gleefully asserted that Barcelona are eager to accomplish great feats: “The best. The most exciting. We want to do big things.”
Xavi urged the fans to fill up the Olympic Lluis Companys stadium as Barcelona gears up to face off against PSG in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.
Barcelona celebrating their third goal against PSG at Parc des Princes. (Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images)
“Nothing has been decided in the PSG tie. I ask the fans: go to Montjuïc, fill up the stadium, support us, and enjoy the match,” he implored.
Emphasizing the importance of preparation, Xavi stated, “We only have a couple of days to prepare for Tuesday. It’s a short amount of time, but it’s enough. We have to prepare well.”
Additionally, Xavi claimed he has yet to figure out his starting XI for the game: “I have not decided the lineup for Tuesday’s match yet.”
“The match on Tuesday is a complete coin toss. We’re slightly ahead, but we have an incredible team in front of us.
“On Tuesday we have war,” he boldly declared.
Xavi concluded that the team will give everything to secure qualification for the next round: “We will do everything on the pitch to qualify on Tuesday.”
Source of quotes: Barça TV+
