Xavi talks Haaland, Mbappe, Pedri, Puig, Alves, Pedri ahead of Elche clash

Barcelona got some much-needed rest after their outing against Athletic Club at the Camp Nou. The game ended 4-0 to the hosts, cementing their brilliant form all month.

Barça can make it four wins in four games when they travel to Valencia to take on Elche in gameweek 27. With the Europa League round of 16 in their foresight, the Catalans have to prepare for the Elche game accordingly.

Xavi addressed the media as part of his pre-game press conference, and as always, you can find all quotes in this thread.

On Elche: “Elche has improved a lot with Francisco; they had already complicated things a lot at the Camp Nou. They are a very intense team and it will be difficult to beat them. We would have to match their intensity.”

On his meeting with Haaland: “Haaland? I can’t give details. We work on the present and future of the club. When things can be announced, we will announce it, as today with Pablo Torre, who is an excellent signing.”

On Gerard Pique: “Piqué? I can only say that I am delighted with him; his performance has been extraordinary for the team.”

On Barça’s structure: “We are a team, with the president at the helm, and nothing is decided unilaterally because we work together, Mateu Alemany, Jordi Cruyff, the staff… I’m a consensus person and then we all decide.”

On Pablo Torre’s signing: “Pablo Torre? We have followed him. He is a natural talent, he can play both as an interior midfielder and as a winger, he can play with both legs, has a great passing ability and is great at set pieces. He is a signing for the present and the future.”

“Pablo Torre will have dynamics of the first team but as is the case with Abde and Jutgla, when they won’t be able to play for the first team because of the great competition, they will contribute their talents in Barca B.”

“Pablo Torre is a Barça player. We explained our idea to him, we told him what we wanted and he is the one who decided to come. I am honest and I do not deceive anyone, I told him what awaits him here.”

On Pedri: “When I see Pedri play, he reminds me of Iniesta. I’m not going to think otherwise no matter how much criticism there is. Surely, we have to bridge the gap because of Andrés’ career, who is the greatest talent I have seen in Spanish football, but I am not afraid for Pedri.”

On Alves’ contract extension: “We haven’t spoken to Alves but from what he is giving to the team in every way, he is an example and hopefully we can decide that he continues at the end of the season. He is giving us a lot and I would like him to continue next season because he can give us a lot.”

On Riqui Puig: “Riqui Puig? He has a lot of competition, fierce competition and I feel bad not giving him more minutes. He trains very well, I’m happy with him, he’s improving but the pity is that there is a lot of competition in midfield with Pedri, Nico, Gavi, Frenkie.”

On Mbappe and Haaland: “Mbappe and Haaland are two great footballers. It would be great to have them in La Liga, the league and the clubs they go to will get better. They will bring more fans to the stadium and it will be surely positive.”

Source: BarçaTV+