Xavi talks Torres, Lewandowski, Pedri, de Jong, following Barcelona 1-0 Atletico Madrid

Barcelona reestablished their 11-point lead over Real Madrid after getting better of Atletico Madrid in a crunch tie. Ferran Torres, who played as a left winger, scored the only goal of the game as the Blaugrana ran out 1-0 victorious.

Speaking to the media after the game, Xavi pressed the importance of the win, saying that although his team came out on top, the scoreline could have been better and that, in fact, would have given them the ‘peace of mind’.

“It’s a very important victory. It was key to our goal of winning the league. We beat a great team. They had chances, but we dominated and we had to score the second goal that would have given us peace of mind. But it’s a constant in this League. We have been superior,” the manager told the media (h/t MARCA).

The win was special for Barcelona mostly because they beat a side that hasn’t lost a league game since January. Ironically, Atletico’s last league defeat came against Barcelona itself when a goal from Ousmane Dembele made all the difference.

“Normally we don’t concede that much. But it was Atletico. They hadn’t lost since January and you see the form they are in. It was a crucial victory.”

Barcelona’s defensive record has been scintillating, with the Blaugrana conceding a mere nine goals in 30 outings. Speaking about it, Xavi said,

“It’s not normal to concede 9 goals in 30 games, but I’m very happy with the way the team works, that they work hard until the last second, it’s something that gives us a lot now and in the future.”

At the same time, Barça have been criticized for relying too much on narrow 1-0 wins, about which the manager said,

“The 1-0 league? For us it’s a great result, it shows us that we struggle to win by more goals… Today we all saw that we could have scored more goals. I don’t mind people talking about the ‘1-0 league’.”

Atletico manager Diego Simeone has already branded Barcelona the winners of this season, but Xavi is of the idea that the job is still not done.

“If Simeone is already congratulating us on the league, then the words of a coach like him are appreciated. But it’s not won, we have to win more games, we have to deserve the league even more.”

Now, it is important to note that Robert Lewandowski hasn’t scored a goal in each of his last four appearances for the team. In fact, the Poland international only has two goals and an assist to his name in the last 10 matches across all competitions. Speaking about his forward’s form, the manager said,

“He was successful in a large part of the season, now not so much, but the goals will come. All forwards want to score. Those who don’t score are sad, it’s the life of a forward. He’s the top scorer in the league with 17 goals, imagine How will the others be?”

At the same time, Ferran Torres scored his fourth league goal of the season and Xavi said that the former Manchester City winger deserves this moment.

“He deserves it. I’m happy with him. He always works and doesn’t let his guard down. He understands the game model quite well. Goal aside, he’s done an important job.”

The manager also said that he is very happy with the performances of Raphinha and Torres.

“Their commitment and involvement was important. They recovered the ball and ran. We played a very good game and the players understood it. We generated less in the first half than in the second. Beyond individualities, we played a great game. I’m very satisfied”.

The game on Sunday saw the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Pedri both returning to action after a long injury break. Shedding his thought over it, the manager said,

“No disrespect to the others, but it’s obvious that Frenkie and Pedri are very important, with their talent they improve everything, they are crucial.”

“When Frenkie and Pedri get the ball, I feel more relaxed,” he added.

Lastly, the manager admitted that he is not thinking about the next season as the players are only focused on winning the league.

“I’m not thinking about next season. For the club, the team and for me it’s vital to win this league, I’ve already said it’s crucial because it would give us a lot of stability.”