Xavi talks Memphis, Alba, Luuk de Jong, January signings ahead of Osasuna clash

After back-to-back defeats against Real Betis and Bayern Munich, with the latter leading to their elimination from the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona will be aiming to get back to winning ways when they take on Osasuna in La Liga on Sunday.

The Catalan bigwigs are seventh in the table, already a massive 16 points below leaders Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Osasuna, who are in tenth place, are just two points shy of their visitors this weekend and could jump above them with a win – a scenario which Barca will be desperately looking to avoid.

Ahead of the game, manager Xavi Hernandez took part in the traditional pre-match press conference where he addressed several topics like injuries, transfers and more.

On the Osasuna game: “It is a very complicated game because Osasuna is a team that defends very well, with a line of five at the back.”

On Barcelona’s season: “I am still optimistic.”

On Luuk de Jong and his role: “Luuk de Jong is an exemplary professional. He is training very well and can give us options in attack. We have to adapt to what we have and it is an option that we must take advantage of.”

On Jordi Alba and Memphis Depay’s injuries: “Jordi Alba’s injury is very minor and we hope to have him back against Elche. Memphis is out because he has played every minute of the season.”

On the Bayern result and the impact on players: “I have analyzed and watched the Bayern game again. I have the feeling that if we understand the game a little more, we are not so far from what we want. I have the feeling that it is a psychological issue and not a physical one. I am encouraging the players to dare and be brave.”

On January signings: “We are very restricted with the salary issue and we will see what can be done.”

On the harassment allegations against Albert Benaiges: “It’s complicated. I spent a lot of time with Benaiges and I never had any news about this.”

On his mindset: “I’m worried. Worried, but busy at work. We must recover the team emotionally.”