Xavi talks Haaland, Fati, Dembele, Puig, Busquets, Orellana ahead of Celta Vigo clash

The last Barcelona vs Celta Vigo encounter provided the neutrals with quite a game as the hosts – Celta – overcome overcame a 0-3 in the second deficit to draw 3-3. Iago Aspas scored the equaliser in the 96th minute, taking his personal tally vs Barça to nine goals in 16 games.

The two sides go at each other once again tomorrow night at the Camp Nou, even though neither side has anything in particular to play for.

Barcelona want to lock down on the runners up spot but face little to no competition, while Celta are comfortable in 11th place.

Ahead of the game, though, Barça Universal follows Xavi’s words in his routinely pre-game press conference.

On the midfielders: “I want the midfielders to create more chances and not lose the ball. We give opponents the opportunity to play on the counter when we lose the ball, and we have to be responsible when we have it.”

“They also have to put pressure on the opposition in their half, and keep errors as low as possible.”

On replacing Sergio Busquets: “It is difficult to replace Busquets because of his qualities. We will miss him tomorrow, but we have to play without him. Barcelona should have at least two players in every position.”

On signing a star player: “I think it is important that we bring reinforcements to the team, and everyone who will join us is welcome. But we have to look at the difficulty of it because of the economic situation.”

“I will be part of the team that is planning for next season. I have a good relationship with the president and administration. We will see what we can do in the summer to strengthen the team and be more competitive.”

On their objective in the closing games of the season: “We want the second position. We have to work well and finish the season in the best possible way and win every game.“

On Ansu Fati: “Fati has to be more careful with his injury, but he comes on and scores goals. I’m glad he’s back, but I don’t know about his return to the Spanish national team. We are making a plan for him to be 100% ready for next season.”

On Haaland’s potential move to Manchester City: “It’s not officially done. So I have no comment. When it’s official, you can ask me again.”

“It is difficult for Haaland to join Barcelona because of the economic situation.”

On his comparison with Koeman: “I can’t be compared to any other coach. Koeman was in a different position, and he performed well. Now I’m the coach, I think we have improved since November and the numbers testify that.”

“I’m not criticising Koeman for what he did with the team, but the reality is that we have improved.”

On loaning Riqui Puig: “Currently we are talking about the next three matches, then we will talk about players’ departures.”

On Ousmane Dembele: “Once again I’m saying that all players have to adapt to the economic situation of the club. Dembele helps the team a lot, although he was unlucky not to score recently.”

“He plays at the highest level. Negotiations are going on with his agent, things are not easy, but we will see. I hope he stays.”

On Aubameyang: “Aubameyang’s goals have been great. He creates danger in the penalty box and helps the team with his movement. He helps us a lot, and has great numbers to prove that.”

On Frenkie de Jong’s changing role: “Frenkie has always needed the freedom to play. He’s been playing great and I’m happy for him. He made the difference in a number of matches. Sometimes we ask him to stick to some defensive roles, but he’s been doing really well.”

On Jandro Orellana’s first call up: “Jandro is a player from La Masia, he plays in such a way that he does not lose the ball. He can play as a defensive or central midfielder. We called him up for tomorrow’s game with Alvaro Sanz, and we hope they can have a few minutes.”

Source: BarçaTV+