Xavi talks Ferran, Frenkie, Lewandowski, Fati, Roberto, Busquets after Barcelona 2-0 Cadiz

Barcelona extended their excellent form in La Liga this past weekend by securing a 2-0 victory over Cadiz. The win helped them retain their eight-point lead at the top of the table leaving the fans and the coaching staff elated.

During the pre-match press conference, Xavi heaped praise on some of his players including Ferran Torres and Sergi Roberto. “I want to highlight the first half. I’m not gonna say it was excellent, but it was very good. Especially from the players who are not playing as much: Eric, Ferran, Ansu, Sergi,” he said.

“I’m especially happy for Ferran. He always works for the team, he sacrifices himself. His attitude is a 10/10. People rate him based on his goals, dribbles, and assists, but from the coaching staff we see other things in him,” he added.

The Barcelona coach further added, “Ferran has taken a big step forward to gain confidence. I’ve always said he is a guarantee.” Talking about the attacker’s substitution during the end phase of the game, Xavi said, “Frenkie and Lewandowski are two vital players, and I decided to give them some rest at the end.”

While Ferran received praise from Xavi, Lewandowski ended up scoring rut of six home league matches by netting the second goal of the night, during the final embers of half-time.

Xavi went on to heap praise on Sergi Roberto, admiring him for his hard work and commitment to the team.

“I see Sergi Roberto in training, doing well in matches… and yet still he is always criticized. I don’t know how. He’s a bigger Barça fan than the flag itself. I saw it with Marchena in the national team too. The most unfair criticism that I have ever seen in my career.”

The Barça coach also talked about the Spaniard’s versatility and even confirmed his desire to keep him for the years to come. “Sergi Roberto is one of the most unfairly criticized players that I have ever seen. He always does well, in whatever position. He’s very altruistic, a big Culé, and has an excellent attitude. I want him to renew and stay many years here,” he said.

Xavi offered his thoughts on Ansu Fati as well, backing the youngster to return to his old form eventually. “The brain of a forward is complicated. Ansu Fati has scored goals all his life, they’ll come back eventually,” he said. “Ansu is very good at playing inside, close to the striker.”

Meanwhile, the Barcelona coach revealed that Sergio Busquets was pressing to start against Cadiz. But he was given a breather, with Xavi keeping one eye on the important fixtures that are coming up.

“Busquets was prepared to start today, but I preferred not to play him,” said Xavi, who also suggested that Pablo Torre deserved to play against Cadiz, adding, “Pablo Torre did not play today, but he deserved to.”

Finally, Xavi suggested that Barcelona are now planning for the upcoming game against Manchester United at Old Trafford, which is a must-win game for the Catalans if they are to advance further in the UEFA EuropaLeague.

“We have to go compete in Manchester. We watched them today,” Xavi said.

Source: BarçaTV+