Xavi talks Haaland, Koeman, Messi, ter Stegen, Araujo ahead of Galatasaray clash

As is customary before a game, Xavi sat down for his pre-game presser for the game against Galatasaray. Barcelona will host the Turkish giants in the Europa League round of 16, and know that burying the affair in the first leg itself will give them a huge push of momentum.

Galatasaray may be sitting 12th in their league, but they have made it this far into the European competition, and like Xavi has said before, the Blaugranes must not take anything for granted.

Join Barça Universal as we follow the coach’s press conference in this thread.

On the game: “We’re looking forward to the match. It’s not the UCL, but we’re playing with hope, with good dynamics and if we continue like this, we should be in a good position soon.”

On whether the team would be in a better place had he arrived earlier: “I don’t know, I thank Laporta for his words, I’m delighted with him. He’s a brave president and a natural leader. A person who is up to the task.”

On Araujo and Gavi’s renewals: “They are two very important players. The club is working very well and they are a priority. It is a process. Sometimes negotiations drag on. We hope for the good of the club that there is an agreement. It’s a matter of time, I think.”

On Galatasaray coach Domenec Font: “‘Dome’ is a friend. We were together in Qatar watching our training sessions and his style is very similar to ours. He needs time, though. He has a lot of ability to do well.”

On Europa League favourites: “I don’t see us as favourites in the Europa League. We don’t know the competition, we’ve never won it. Sevilla are more favourites than us. Sure, we are one of the candidates but this is not about moments. You have to prove it on the pitch, every game is an exam.”

On rotations: “Tomorrow, there will be changes in the XI, there are players who are tired and who accumulate many minutes. Up top and in midfield, we have a range of possibilities that we have to take advantage of.”

On Messi returning to the Bernabeu tonight: “Messi has done wonders not only at the Bernabeu, but everywhere. Yes, I will watch the match between PSG and Real Madrid. I wish Leo and Neymar the best.”

On ter Stegen’s competition: “Everyone needs competition. Competitiveness is needed because that way everyone improves. When you look to the sides and see that someone else does it better, you want to improve.”

On Koeman’s style: “I’m satisfied, we’ve made a big change. Koeman, who was the last coach, had a different game model and there were things to change, which took time. The team has improved a lot, but we have not done anything yet.”

“Koeman was a brave coach, he opted for young players who have established themselves and he made that decision. I only have good words for him, but I cannot get into his relationship with the president.”

On the substitutes: “I feel bad for putting players on the bench who train well, like Braithwaite, Riqui, Mingueza, and Eric. I insist that they must continue training hard.”

On signing for Barcelona: “It’s always a good time to sign for Barça. It’s the best club in the world. I insist that I have not seen any player who says he doesn’t want to play for us.”

On Haaland: “When you talk to any player, you tell him what’s here, our way of playing, of training… Let him know that this is the best club, the city is wonderful.”

On Dani Alves: “Alves is the player with the most titles in history and his work is admirable. He is a captain without the armband and we will decide about his extension at the end of the season, now now.”

On Inaki Pena (on loan at Galatasaray): “Inaki was very brave when he left. He was in a difficult situation here and he told us that he wanted to play. He’s doing very well and the idea is for him to return to Barça and be part of the squad.”

On Ansu Fati: “Ansu is in the final part of his recovery, and we will see if he can start working with the group soon.”

On the league title: “It’s very difficult, but not impossible.”

Source: BarçaTV+