Xavi talks Rudiger, Fati, Araujo, Gavi, Busquets, Barcelona femeni ahead of Sevilla clash

The international break last week came at an unfortunate time for Barcelona, who were cruising under Xavi in February and March. After hitting Real Madrid for four in the Santiago Bernabeu, they turn their attention to the game vs Sevilla tomorrow.

As always, Xavi addressed the questions by the media ahead of the clash as part of his pre-game press conference. BU follows the tradition as well, and follows the quotes in this thread.

On the game: Tomorrow is another final for us, we have a chance to get to second place.

On the Real Madrid game: “The team showed at the Bernabeu that it can compete against anyone. Sevilla may not be at their best, but they have a great coach and I admire him. I know them well and they are doing very well.”

On Madrid vs Celta Vigo: “I would prefer to focus on ourselves, if positive news comes for Vigo, it will be good for us.”

On the Antonio Rudiger meeting: “I will not talk about deals, we are fighting over several goals. I know that you like to talk about specific names, but now we are fighting in the final stages of the season, the management is working to strengthen the team for next season.”

On Fati’s return: “He needs more training sessions, but he is happy and smiling. This is important for the player, he is part of the group and he is happy. We will decide when he returns.”

On Pique’s possible return with the Spanish team: “This is a question for Luis Enrique. He is a reference for me and has a clear idea and will make his decision. As a coach with many great options, I am very happy with Pique. He is at a great level, but I don’t decide Spain’s team.”

On rotations: “Yes, there will be rotations. We have several important players and this is a positive thing, we have other options and there are several players who deserve to participate because they are training very well. There are many trips coming up and there may be injuries.”

On Dembele: “I see Ousmane as part of the project. Since I arrived, I have seen him as a perfect player. He wil be a free agent in June, and the renewal is a question for Ousmane.”

“My opinion is clear that he is a very talented player. I said it on the day of my presentation that he is a player who can make a difference and become one of the best.”

On Barcelona Femeni: “Women’s football is a different sport because of the physical factor. I enjoyed attending El Clasico a lot and I know several players from the team like Putellas.”

“The Camp Nou should be full in the women’s semi-finals as well, I had so much fun.”

“The fans at the Femeni game were amazing, and they deserved it. I hope they show up tomorrow as well!”

“It was an emotional day for women’s football.”

On Gavi, Araujo’s renewals: “They are very important players, I give great importance to them. Of course, the club should renew their contract, they are the future of the club and the project. I hope they stay here for several years.”

On Busquets’ possible successor: “First I see Busquets playing for several more years, he should not leave now with the project we have. The same with the national team. I hope he stays for several years, and if he leaves, we have Frenkie and Nico but I see them as more offensive players. But for now, Sergio is here and he’s an important part of the team.”

On de Jong and Araujo’s suspension risk: “We are focused on the upcoming matches. We have to manage time well, I don’t care if they get a yellow card tomorrow.”

On the profiles he wants in the market: “It depends on what the team needs. For example, Busquets has a certain position and does not need to be versatile. But we also have players who can play in several positions, like Araujo and Dest.”

Source: BarçaTV+