Xavi talks Busquets, Alba, Kounde, Pedri, Fati, Camp Nou ahead of Barcelona vs Mallorca

Barcelona manager Xavi has said that although there has not been enough motivation for the team since winning La Liga, the fact that tomorrow’s game against Mallorca will be their final game at Camp Nou will be a reason good enough for the team to perform well.

Barcelona were crowned La Liga champions following their 4-2 win over Espanyol in mid-May. Since then, the team has lost back-to-back matches against Real Sociedad (1-2) and Valladolid (1-3). 

Although the results did not mean much, Barcelona lost out on the opportunity to become the team with the fewest goals conceded in a single league season. After having conceded five goals in the last two matches, the team has now let in 18 goals in 36 outings.

Farewell to Alba, Busquets, and Camp Nou

In any way, apart from the fact that this is going to be Barcelona’s last game at Camp Nou, it is also the final home game for the likes of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

“These days have not been easy to find motivation after winning the La Liga title, but tomorrow we have to say goodbye to Camp Nou, which has had many years of history, and add farewell to Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba,” the manager told the media.

“It is an extra motivation. We want to have an excellent farewell and hopefully, we can offer our best version.

“Yesterday I thought about it, that it will be an emotional farewell and a bit sad. Camp Nou has been like my home. Everything is for a good cause, to have a better Camp Nou. It’s positive, but tomorrow it will be sad,” he added.

Upon asking how he is managing the farewells, he said, “It is difficult to manage friends, people with whom I have shared many things. It is difficult to define the extent to which friendship and professionalism are. 

“It happened to me with Pique and Alves and now with Busquets and Alba. The position of the coach is above anything. I prioritize the club. It’s not a personal decision, it’s a group one.”

The manager also shared his most memorable memory of the Camp Nou. “It stayed with me when I left Camp Nou. The most important thing is the affection of the people. Having a farewell like mine, winning the treble, I’ll stay with this.”

“We have been very comfortable at the Camp Nou and now we have to move to another house. It will not be an easy year, but the people, with the enthusiasm they have, are going to move to Montjuïc. We need the fans a lot.”

Now that the La Liga title is sealed, the manager affirmed that the next target is to help the players win individual honours. 

“It’s one of the objectives. We want to finish with good feelings, we’ve had two consecutive defeats and we like to win. Hopefully, Robert can take the Pichichi and Ter Stegen as the goalkeeper with the fewest goals and with the record for clean sheets.”

Meanwhile, Xavi also commented on the entire Jules Kounde spectacle. The defender, who joined Barcelona last summer, is said to be unhappy because of being played in an unfavourable position.

“You already asked me this question, but there is no problem with Koundé. I spoke with him and there is no problem. We had a very good conversation. He is a fundamental piece, he has given us security as a full-back and as a central defender,” said the manager.

There have been talks about Spain manager Luis de la Fuente calling up Pedri to the squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League semi-finals vs Italy next month despite his recent fitness issues. Commenting on that, Xavi said;

“We have communication with the national team and I have a very good relationship with the coach. Pedri needs this rest. He has been forced many times with the team and it is time to rest.”

Busquets’ replacement a priority for summer says Xavi

The manager also talked about transfers where he admitted, “This year a new stage has already begun. I don’t have the feeling of a generational change. 

“It has been a natural evolution. With Balde, Jordi Alba has played less and without Busquets, we need a top signing in this market. Those who have been important this season will continue to be.”

About possible reinforcement and Ansu Fati’s future, he added, “[On the left] We have Balde and Marcos Alonso. Nothing needs to be reinforced.”

“I have not spoken with Ansu. We believe that it is early because we do not know the ‘fair play’ or the scenario that we will have. We have to plan it,” the manager continued.

Signing a pivot is said to be on the top of Barcelona’s agenda. Speaking about it, the manager added, “Whoever is more complete, whoever is the best pivot to replace Busquets. 

“We depend on ‘fair play’ and the economic situation. The profile must be a very determined player, who wins duels and is intelligent. The natural substitute for Busi.”

“You have to find that piece. If we want to compete well next year, it’s essential. Busi has been fundamental to getting the Super Cup and La Liga. We have to find a very important player to replace Busquets.”

On Jordi Alba, he said, “Jordi’s thing was his decision. He was the one who took the step, he thinks it’s time. I’m not going to reveal the whole conversation. He’s been very positive and I’ll stick with that.” 

Additionally, the manager also pressed that there are many things that he would like to incorporate into his squad. “We have had excellent moments and more bad moments. 

“We have to improve in the game and better understand decision-making. There are many things that I am thinking about. I would give it a notable grade, but at Barça, you have to go for the excellent.”

It was revealed yesterday that La Liga will not use the goal-line technology next season and while giving his thought on the same, he added, “We have seen this week that it is not enough. La Liga has to seek excellence and if there is a tool that makes it clearer, then it must be used.”

Racism in La Liga

The manager also had some words for Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who had recently claimed that there was not much hope for improvement in Spain when it comes to the issue of racism.

“Pep is the most influential person in the world of football in the last 15 years. The coaches have been like Guardiola or anti-Guardiola. He always leaves an extraordinary legacy. He is a reference for all coaches.”

“I disagree with Pep. It’s an educational issue. If we stay as we are, we won’t advance, but if the game stops the other day. 

“It’s not normal for them to insult at work. It’s a matter for the estates, federations, and president of La Liga. It has to be eradicated.”

Lastly, the manager affirmed that there will be changes in the staff when things are not going well because everyone wants to be better.

“It is normal for there to be changes when things are not going well. Every year you have to be better. This year we have won the Super Cup and La Liga and next year you are going to demand the Champions League from me,” he concluded.

Source: BarçaTV+