Xavi reacts after Barcelona lose 2-3 to Club America in friendly: “Some players were tired”

Soon after their 3-2 win over UD Almeria in La Liga, FC Barcelona flew to the United States of America to play a mid-season friendly against Club America in Dallas.

The game ended in a defeat for Xavi Hernandez’s men, as they lost 2-3 to the Mexican outfit in a contest where a number of young talents from the club got an opportunity.

Considering that the team had played just a little over 24 hours before the friendly, the Barcelona manager opted to rotate heavily and hand starts to young talents like Marc Guiu, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Casado, Unai Hernandez, and Hector Fort, among others.

And, the Catalans took the lead through Lamine Yamal early in the game before Julian Quinones equalised for Club America. Marc Guiu put the Blaugrana ahead around the half-hour mark but Quinones leveled things for the Mexican club early in the second period.

A late strike from Henry Martin secured a 3-2 win over Club America, while Barcelona return home with €5 million from the trip.

Talking after the match, manager Xavi admitted that it was a good outing for his players even though a number of starters were tired.

“We had a great game today,” Xavi said. “Both Club América and Barça generated great chances. With us, a lot of young players played, that’s positive.”

“Our starters were tired, they played yesterday against Almeria and today some players were tired,” he added.

Discussing the circumstances that led to arranging the friendly, Xavi said: “This type of match is positive for Barcelona. The club is in a situation where we have to adapt, in the end we offer ourselves to the fans in the United States. They always receive us with affection.”

“I think people enjoyed the match today, both those who were in the stadium and those who watched us on TV,” he added. “I think we saw a great spectacle in the match today.”

Xavi was also asked about Club America and their recent triumph in the Mexican league, to which he said: “They are a very good team, intense, technically very good. It’s no coincidence that they have won the championship.”

“Club América work the way we work. An attacking team, they press high. I like their coach’s approach. They have great players, like Mexican players throughout history.”

Finally, discussing Mexican legend Rafa Marquez, who is doing a fine job as the manager of Barcelona Atletic, Xavi said:

“He is doing a great job. There are 16, 17, and 18-year-old players who are not ready yet but they have to be with us in the first team. It’s too early for them, but we are in this difficult situation. I’m happy that Rafa is training these players.”

Source: TUDN