Xavi talks Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Ferran Jutgla after Barça beat Elche

Barcelona ended their three-game winless streak as they defeated Elche 3-2 in the 2021/22 La Liga on Saturday at Camp Nou.

The Catalans were off the blocks quickly as B team forward Ferran Jutgla put them in front just 16 minutes in with a fine goal. Three minutes later, the hosts were two goals in front as midfield sensation Gavi scored a stunning goal after a brilliant turn and run.

Barça looked in cruise control and looked set for an easy win. But Elche put up a spirited fightback after half-time and managed to draw on level terms with quickfire goals from Tete Morente and Perre Milla just after the hour mark.

As time wore on, it felt like the Blaugrana were set to drop points yet again from a winning position. However, a late strike from substitute Nico Gonzalez sealed a much-needed win for Barcelona, taking them to within three points of fourth-placed Rayo Vallecano.

Speaking after the game, manager Xavi Hernandez claimed that the result was crucial for the club given the position they are in. However, he did add that the team needed to perform better and manage games better after taking the lead.

“In the situation we are, it is three golden points. I think today we saw a good Barça. I hope it’s a turning point. We’ve made it difficult for ourselves, even though we’ve scored three goals.. We have to learn in such games, especially when we’re ahead,” he said.

Xavi was full of praise for midfield prodigy Gavi, who was on target on the night, while he also hailed the younger generation of players coming through.

“Gavi had a spectacular game. His ambition and personality are very surprising. Young people have a lot of personality. They are the future of the team. There is a fantastic generation with Gavi, Nico, Eric, Abde, and Araújo,” the 41-year-old added.

Further speaking on the performance and the style of play, the manager added that there was still a lot of work to be done, saying:

“There are some things that keep on surprising me about the positional game. I’m often surprised here at home. There are moments that we need to work more on. We’re playing with 17-year-old kids, and that requires time. The goals we concede are a pity.”

Xavi had recently made a comment in which he had hinted that the youngsters were carrying this team. Elaborating on his statement, he said:

“When I say that the young players are making all the difference, it is not to send a message to the veterans. I’m happy with everyone’s attitude. We have to return back to the style of play that has been lost. It surprises me a lot, as the club’s future depends on it.”

The Barça boss also talked about Ferran Jutgla and the role he had to play on the night, saying:

“We have been working on exploiting spaces in the past days. When we have a striker, he provides space for Gavi, and this is what Jutglà did. He is good at playing this role.”

On Frenkie de Jong’s quiet performance, the managed added: “De Jong has given us things. He has perhaps not been as fluid as Gavi or Nico today, but he is making an amazing effort. He has had discomfort all week. It is a matter of fatigue, because has played practically every minute.”

Further explaining his earlier comments on the club losing their style of play and identity, Xavi added:

“I’m amazed at the number of tactical aspects this team has lost over the last six years. I don’t know who’s fault it is, or what exactly happened. I haven’t been here. But that’s why it’s been so hard for us to start.”

Following a much-needed win, Barcelona will come up against a tougher opponent in Sevilla on Tuesday night. A victory against Los Nervionenses could bring the Catalans within touching distance of the top-four, provided results elsewhere go their way.

Source: Barca TV+