Xavi talks Koeman, de Jong, Real Madrid, Fati, Adama, Puig ahead of Mallorca clash

Barcelona fans have experienced a host of different emotions in the last few months as Xavi has taken the team to a very competitive level.

After a series of world-class performances, including thrashing Real Madrid 0-4 at the Santiago Bernabeu, Barcelona have been brought back to Earth. Not only have they lost three consecutive home games in a row, but they have also failed to score in two of them.

Tomorrow they have a chance to pretty much lock down a top-four spot with a win against RCD Mallorca. Ahead of the clash, Xavi addressed the media as part of his pre-game press conference.

On the game: “This week was good for us, we tried to get the tired players back. We tried to improve a few things.”

“Tomorrow we have a crucial match against Mallorca. Sevilla failed yesterday, Atletico play today. We cannot fail.”

“The players are motivated, it’s a club made to win titles, but being second is a minimum.”

On Ansu Fati’s return: “We will release the list tomorrow, and Ansu will be on it.”

“If everything goes well, Ansu may play a few minutes tomorrow.”

“Fati is a special and different player. He must be a very important player for Barcelona.”

“Ansu suits me on the wing, and as a striker. He’s a star player. He has to be close to the box.”

“There was a plan from the first day, in the beginning he decided not to have an operation and his feelings were good and we took care of him. He is a special player and we know he can make a difference.”

On Frenkie de Jong’s reaction on being subbed off vs Rayo: “I have said many times that de Jong can make a difference in every game, he was frustrated after his exit and I understand that — I was a player myself. De Jong has played amazing games for us.”

“He is an important player for us in the present and the for the future.”

“I had a chat with de Jong in the morning, he’s calmer now. He’s done very well in some matches, and we have to work on consistency now.”

On Real Madrid’s possible title win today: “Real Madrid can win the league today, and if they do, we will congratulate them.”

“It is not a coincidence, but consistency. Such a long tournament always ends up being won by the one who deserves it the most. And next year we will compete with them.”

On Nico Gonzalez’s injury: “Nico has a broken finger after a confrontation with Ansu Fati during yesterday’s training.”

On Ronald Koeman’s words: “I am not going to change my feelings about Koeman. I have huge respect and admiration for him because he also came at a very difficult time.”

On the possibility of keeping Adama Traore: “I don’t want to talk about the next season because we are focused on our goals right now. Adama helps us, I told him that you will help us a lot even though you are not playing regularly. He is a pure winger who can dribble 2-3 defenders at once. Same as Memphis and the rest, I’m happy for him.”

“I’m happy with Adama. When he plays, he does everything I ask.”

On Riqui Puig: “He has a chance, everyone would be ready to play tomorrow.”

Source: BarçaTV+