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Tag: Xavi

  • I will try to convince Xavi to stay – Barca VP

    I will try to convince Xavi to stay – Barca VP

    Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste has declared he wants Xavi to continue.

    Yuste says he’ll try to convince Xavi to reverse his resignation decision.

    He said, “I’m going to try to convince Xavi but it’s a personal decision for him.

    “There are still Liga games left, the Champions League… we have to let him enjoy it. I hope and wish that he continues because we are talking about a project, not a season or two.”

    On Barca’s homegrown players, Yuste said: “The players carry Barça in their hearts. This is definitive. When they want to be here and live for Barça it is easier for them to stay here for many years.”

  • We’ll talk with Xavi again at season’s end – Laporta

    We’ll talk with Xavi again at season’s end – Laporta

    Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reaffirmed hopes of Xavi reversing his resignation decision.

    Xavi is to step down at the end of the season.

    Laporta told Sport: “We have committed to Xavi who we will talk about at the end of the season. Sometimes decisions are reconsidered. Let’s imagine getting a title…

    “I think Xavi will think about it and tell us what he wants to do. If we win a title obviously I would like Xavi to continue, I’ve already told him that. I insist on saying that I accepted this formula because he is Xavi and since I know him, we have an excellent relationship. He was very skilled, he is a legend and has a lot of experience.

    “He knew he would do better this way, he felt stronger.”

  • UCL: We deserved it more than Napoli – Xavi

    UCL: We deserved it more than Napoli – Xavi

    Barcelona coach Xavi was delighted with their 3-1 Champions League win against Napoli.

    Fermin Lopez, Joao Cancelo and Robert Lewandowski struck as Barca reach the quarterfinals 4-2 on aggregate.

    “I think we deserved it more than Napoli, we did better in attack, defence and of course scored more goals,” Xavi told Sport Mediaset.

    “Napoli are a quality team who move the ball around well and had some good scoring opportunities. We had deserved more at the Stadio Maradona too, as we dominated there.

    “We are in the eight top teams in Europe and that is great for Barcelona and all the Barcelona fans.

    “It is important to think about ourselves and not the others. I think we can compete in the quarter-finals, I am really pleased with the team and proud of the lads.”

    On teenage defender Pau Cubarsi, he added: “Pau [Cubarsí] is an eruption of talent for Barcelona and Spanish football. He’s constantly asking us for videos to study to help him improve. He’s got a fantastically-organised and clear mind. He’s humble, hard working – I think he’s a marvel.”

  • We’re responsible for Xavi’s resignation – Ter Stegen

    We’re responsible for Xavi’s resignation – Ter Stegen

    Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen admits Xavi’s resignation was personally disappointing.

    Xavi made the announcement as Ter Stegen was working his way back from surgery.

    He said: “He announced it and, knowing him from a few years ago, it tasted bad to me. We are responsible for these decisions.

    “We are still doing the same, he told us that this does not stop things. We know that you have to give your best and even more for him. He is a great coach and has brought us back to this point and he is fighting because we can compete. Unfortunately he leaves and it is difficult to accept it, both as a coach and as a friend.”

    On Hansi Flick, who is being linked with job, Ter Stegen said of his former Germany coach: “Hansi Flick is a great person, we value him very much, but it is not the day to talk about him, it is not the time, tomorrow we have the most important game (against Napoli) of the season.”

  • We’ll keep fighting for title – Xavi

    We’ll keep fighting for title – Xavi

    Barcelona coach Xavi says their title push isn’t over.

    Xavi is targeting three points against Getafe this weekend.

    He said: “We are playing at home and we need the fans. We need their love, it is a very important game against a great Getafe. They are not a defensive team, they are brave, they press high, with a very high defensive line, they have scored points on complicated fields like the Metropolitano. They are three very important points for the LaLiga title.

    “Until we mathematically can, we will fight. We take two points from Real Madrid and three from Girona. We are not throwing in the towel for LaLiga, but it is complicated.

    “Winning would give us more peace of mind, a week to rest. It would be very good for us to try to climb positions. We would sleep in second position and you would put more pressure on Girona and Real Madrid. But we must do our job tomorrow.”

  • I use my money to train Barca players – Xavi

    I use my money to train Barca players – Xavi

    Barcelona manager Xavi has revealed he used his money to train his players.

    Xavi will leave at the end of the season and ahead of their clash with Celta Vigo, he was asked about how fans now handle Barca’s lack of spending power in the transfer market.

    He said: “We have fought and we have given everything. I am very happy with the commitment of the players, with how the fans have treated me, who are aware of the economic situation.

    “People on the street respect me and encourage me. The other day they chanted for me. They understand the situation of the club. Beyond the legacy of footballers, we have tried. Whoever comes, they will have to support them. I am grateful to the fans and it has been a pleasure. I would only ask that you encourage the team.

    “I have always prioritised Barça. Lately, I have put money out of my pocket to train Barça. At 18 years old, I didn’t listen to Milan’s offer… I’ve always been like that because I’ve felt that way. I already told the president (Joan Laporta) that the last year, the salary, could be allocated to whoever came.

    “I have made many gestures as a culé.”

  • Xavi resignation at Barca didn’t surprise me – Fabregas

    Xavi resignation at Barca didn’t surprise me – Fabregas

    Former Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas says he wasn’t surprised by Xavi’s resignation announcement.

    Xavi will leave the job at the end of the season.

    Cesc told Radio Cataluyna: “Xavi’s farewell didn’t surprise me, I’ve been in football for many years and I’ve seen everything. I know Xavi as a person and a player, but not as a coach.

    “He is a very positive, happy person, he always wants the best, to win… He always believes in what he does. I believed that Barça needed a person like that. Many young people have grown up with him; the moment it’s not easy but Barça is one of the three biggest clubs in the world and the pressure is high.”

    The Como chief was asked about coaching Barca in the future and said: “In the end it’s something you can’t know. I think that first I have to grow, take steps forward… That’s why I’m happy to be where I am, because I don’t have very high pressure.

    “Football it changes, the dynamics change and the work you do day after day counts.”

  • Super Cup: Questioning Xavi doesn’t make sense – Barca chief

    Super Cup: Questioning Xavi doesn’t make sense – Barca chief

    Barcelona sports chief Deco has dismissed doubts over coach Xavi after their Super Cup final thrashing by Real Madrid.

    Real thumped Barca 4-1 on Sunday night.

    Deco later said: “We must congratulate Real Madrid, because they played a spectacular game. We have not managed to nullify their strengths: the depth of Vinicius, Rodrygo… they had this danger but we have not neutralised them.

    “With 2-1 on the scoreboard, it seemed like we could improve, but 3-1 has hurt us quite a bit.

    “It’s a title we wanted to win. It’s a tough defeat, 4-1, and we couldn’t fight. But we have to continue and think about the Cup. There is nothing else to do. We have to continue.”

    Asked about Xavi’s future, he added: “The question doesn’t make sense. It’s a final. This is not the time to talk about Xavi’s future.

    “He has the confidence of the president, the sports management… It’s a tough defeat that has to be discussed, but it doesn’t change anything.”

  • Barca need to replace Gavi – Xavi

    Barca need to replace Gavi – Xavi

    Barcelona coach Xavi admits he wants to see a replacement for Gavi signed in January.

    Gavi is out for at least this season due to a serious knee injury.

    Xavi said today: “What we are looking for is to reinforce the squad, whether in winter or summer. With Gavi’s injury we need a profile of Gavi, but it is difficult.

    “We work with Deco and the president.”

    Xavi also insisted Oriol Romeu was in his plans, despite being linked with a return to Girona.

    He added: “He is very strong mentally and will help us. He will have minutes again and will be ready. Calm and tranquility. He’s very strong.”

  • Worst game of my 2 years in charge – Xavi on Shakhtar defeat

    Worst game of my 2 years in charge – Xavi on Shakhtar defeat

    Barcelona coach Xavi offered no excuses after their 1-0 Champions League defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk.

    Danylo Sikan proved Shakhtar’s matchwinner in Hamburg.

    Xavi later said, “I think we are at a low level of play, worst for the season. We have played one of the worst games of these two years. There is nothing lost. But it is at the most inopportune moment.

    “We have to do self-criticism. You have to be more dynamic, be recognizable… you have to have more confidence. We were not comfortable in the game. You have to do a reset.

    “In the second half, we improved but we were not fluid. You have to win back people and give them confidence. It’s a shame, but nothing is lost.”

    On reaching the knockout phase, Xavi said: “We depend on ourselves. The next game is at home, with Porto, and mathematically we can do it. You have to take pride and self-love. We must regain trust.

    “We are in a small hole, also in terms of confidence. It’s more mental than game. We are blocked. We are in a bad moment.

    “I think we do things wrong in general, in attack and defence. The pressure after a loss is not what it should be… the players have to be recovered. We have to create more.”

    He added: “The staff must not lose confidence, it is my job. We have to keep going. There is nothing lost. We are in a small football slump.”