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7 months ago
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The rain had settled for a few months at FC Barcelona as the team went on an incredible unbeaten streak across nearly three full months before falling prey to PSG in the Champions League and then losing to Real Madrid in the league.
However, the club must put this season behind them, especially after Xavi has announced his decision to continue as the coach three months after resigning in the first place.
The focus is now on Valencia, who will visit the Olympic Montjuic Stadium tomorrow night for gameweek 33.
On the game, Barça Femeni, and more
Xavi spoke to the media ahead of the game for his pre-game press conference, which was quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
“We are fine, we want second place. We must achieve second place to be in the Spanish Super Cup. Valencia under Baraja is a good opponent, and Baraja did a great job. It will be a difficult match,” Xavi started off speaking about the locker room.
As for the team and their commitment, he added, “I saw the team was very committed. We had time to train more. The team is excited to win tomorrow and end the season well. I am excited to continue another season.”
He did dodge a question about the matchup against Girona, saying, “The most important thing is tomorrow, then we will think about Girona. They are a direct competitor, I already said that in the first leg. There is a minimum, which is to qualify for the Champions League and the other is to qualify for the Super Cup.”
It was also crucial to give a heads-up to Barcelona Femeni, who qualified for the Champions League final after beating Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 on agg.) in the semi-finals.
“I followed the semi-finals, yes. The Barça women’s team is the best in the world in women’s football. We are proud of them, and congratulate them from here. I hope they win the final.”
Barcelona Femeni played out a cracker of a semi-final vs Chelsea.
On his players: Roque, de Jong, Pedri, and more
One of the first questions fielded to Xavi was about Vitor Roque, who has been linked with a loan exit in the summer after failing to find minutes in the team after signing in January for nearly €40 million.
“We must agree on what is best for each player with Deco and the president. We have not decided anything.”
“At the end of the season, we will decide what is best for each person. It is not easy to come from Brazil and make the decision directly. It takes time and adaptation takes time. At the end of the season, we will decide,” Xavi added.
“Roque needs more time to adapt and more confidence, and I think he can play in Barcelona for a long time.”
Pedri was rested during El Clasico, but came on right before the break as Frenkie de Jong picked up an injury.
“Pedri is 100% ready for tomorrow, and in principle he will be there tomorrow,” Xavi updated about his availability.
Xavi did not change his stance on Sergi Roberto when he was interrogated about his expiring contract, especially with Girona looking to sign him for free.
“I want him to renew his contract, and it depends on him. He knows my position. He can help us a lot. I hope he renews.”
Frenkie de Jong is another player linked with an exit in the summer, with Barcelona in desperate need to sell players to raise money and buy players in other crucial positions. For Xavi, though, the Dutchman is a must.
“For me, Frenkie is key and a very important player. Nothing has changed. It is sad that he suffered three injuries this season, especially since he was at a high level.”
