Iniesta talks Xavi, Pedri, Messi return, Lewandowski, Pique, Busquets, Modric, UCL exit

Andres Iniesta recently sat down for a candid interview with Diario AS during which he discussed his former club Barcelona’s current plight, the rumours of Lionel Messi returning to Camp Nou, the rivalry with Real Madrid, as well as his ambitions for the future once he calls time on his footballing career.

On Barcelona’s elimination from the Champions League: “You’re right that from here, out of focus, everything looks different. I want Barça and the people I know and appreciate to do well. 

“Since Xavi came in, the evolution has been very positive and the current squad is super complete in all lines, but there are things that happen and the Champions League is decided by details. He could have won a match against Bayern and Inter but it didn’t happen.”

On Pedri’s comments about Barcelona not belonging in UCL: “Talking about failure is relative because it has been tried with all the strength. It is a disappointment and much more adding it to all those that have arrived in recent years.”

On what is going wrong for Barça in Europe: “I honestly don’t know, but it is clear that some things are not being done well or not enough to change that dynamic. I have also suffered hard setbacks, the last one in Rome. 

“We haven’t been able to handle those details that I’m talking about and that decide play-offs and matches. The feeling is that that necessary step is missing to cross the line.”

On his conversations with Xavi: “We maintain frequent contact but when we talk we don’t talk about tactics or rivals. He is doing something that he wanted, he is prepared for it and he is also at home. He knew the enormous challenge that he was facing and as a friend what I wish him is that everything goes as well as possible.”

On Messi’s potential return to Barcelona: “It doesn’t seem easy, of course, but I’m not Leo or Laporta and I can’t predict what may happen in the future.”

On whether he would like to see Messi return: “More than liking me, he has to like it and see if he could give himself the opportunity.”

On Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets being whistled: “It is something that no one likes and does not like, regardless of whether they are colleagues or friends. That your fans whistle you is not pleasant but we know that Barça is a very demanding and particular club. 

“These are situations that have occurred throughout history with great players and people express what they feel at that moment. Both Busi and Geri are at Barça because they still have the ability to perform. We would all like this not to happen, but if they do it is because of the club’s level of demand.”

On the La Liga title race: “There is still a lot left and a World Cup in the middle. Both Barcelona and Real Madrid will fight until the end.

“I always put a little more on Barça because the heart pulls but there are also teams like Betis or Real Sociedad that are very strong and will give a fight.”

On the Clasico defeat: “I saw it balanced although in the second half Barça had more chances. What happens is that Madrid is very effective, a ready-made team, they play with a lot of confidence and you have to do things very well to beat them.”

On Barça activating the economic levers: “If the club have done it, it is because they have thought about it well and surely the situation that existed has forced them to make that decision that they would not have wanted to adopt in a normal situation. 

“Hopefully, the economic effort is accompanied by titles and everything goes well because there have been very difficult years externally, not only in sports. Barça needs stability beyond football.”

On Robert Lewandowski: “He is a spectacular footballer. We already knew that. In addition to scoring many goals, he has brilliant technical maneuvers and physical power. He is a player who will be key for Barça not only because of his goalscoring, but because of what he has to transmit to the youngest members of the team and to the players in general.”

On Pedri being labelled the ‘new Iniesta’: “It will not affect or condition him at all. Pedri enjoys playing football and he doesn’t care about the Bernabéu or his town square. That shows and that’s why I don’t think it influences him. 

“Comparisons are not pleasant because they are just noise. I have my story and he has to do his own and he has enough potential to be a benchmark in his team and in the National Team.”

On Luka Modric: “We are players with different profiles but at the same time similar in terms of position on the field, conception of the game, handling the ball… He is one of the best midfielders there is and will ever be. He is a reference for his team and it is not easy to spend so many years at a club like Madrid making a difference.”

On Modric-Casemiro-Kroos trident: “That Madrid trident is one of the best that has ever existed. They have won many titles and without a doubt he is one of the best, just like us. What I have enjoyed playing alongside Xavi and Busi I have not experienced again.”

On Karim Benzema’s Ballon d’Or win: “The one who wins it is always the just winner.”

On whether he wants to return to Barcelona: “I can’t say for sure, but I would like to go back and do it in a function in which I feel qualified to continue contributing.”

On if he wishes to manage the Barcelona team: “Today I can not say that this is my dream. I would love to return to Barça at some point and train to do well in something that I like. I don’t know if it’s coach or sports director, it’s not something I know for sure yet. What is certain is that I will never have another dream as big as being a footballer.”