Xavi talks Messi, Pedri, De Jong, Gundogan, Yamal, Cancelo ahead of Real Sociedad vs Barcelona

Barcelona will take a trip to San Sebastian as they get set to take on Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday night.

Following their defeat to Real Madrid last weekend and wins for Girona and Atletico Madrid, Barcelona have slid down to fourth place in the La Liga standings, four points shy of the top spot.

Meanwhile, Real Sociedad, in fifth, are just five points shy of the Catalans and will be eager to close that gap, making tomorrow’s match a crucial one for the reigning champions.

Ahead of the game on Saturday night, manager Xavi Hernandez spoke to the media in his customary press conference, discussing the return of Pedri and the absence of Frenkie de Jong, among other things.

On Real Sociedad and El Clasico defeat

Assessing the challenge that Real Sociedad pose, especially with the team coming from the defeat against Real Madrid, Xavi said:

“They are a Champions League team, one of the best sides in terms of defensive line. Imanol is one of the best coaches in the category. After the defeat against Madrid, the team has taken a step forward. We have to react and win the three points.”

Talking about the defeat to Real Madrid last weekend, Xavi said: “We had the game under control. We lost it, but we had it in our hands. It was details that made us lose the game.

“Tomorrow there is another test and we have to get it out of the way. We have time to learn, we are four points behind the leaders but there is time to recover.”

On Gundogan’s comments

Following the loss in El Clasico, Barcelona midfielder launched a scathing criticism of the Catalans, and much of the talk in the media has been about the veteran’s comments and their effects in the locker room.

However, Xavi clarified that Gundogan’s words had not led to any controversy within the group, saying:

“The word ‘conformity’ is not in the Barça DNA. We are for excellence. We don’t see Gündo’s words as controversial, we agree with what he said. We lost the Clásico because of our mistakes. It’s not controversial in the dressing room.”

Further touching on the topic, the manager added: “He expressed the anger that we all had inside. His culture is different from ours. If you look at Bayern’s defeat the other day, Müller came out and criticised. In the dressing room, he has not generated any controversy.”

On Pedri, Frenkie de Jong

The big news coming out ahead of Xavi’s press conference was that Pedri had finally received his medical clearance and was named in the squad for the Real Sociedad encounter.

Welcoming the Spaniard back into the fold, the Barça boss said: “His return has not been delayed. He is one hundred percent. I see him ready. It’s great news for the team.

“The goal for everyone is to be physically fit. We work a lot on injury prevention. For me he’s a fundamental player. I hope he can have continuity to show that he’s worth a lot.”

While Pedri made his comeback, the same cannot be said about Frenkie de Jong, who missed out again.

“It depends on his feelings. Pedri has a good feeling, but Frenkie hasn’t yet. He has tried but he is in pain,” said Xavi of the Dutchman’s condition.

When further probed about the midfielder, Xavi added: “Injuries are going well, calm down. 30% of the questions are about injuries. Frenkie has a bad feeling, it hurts.”

On the squad

There has been some doubts creeping up about Oriol Romeu and his performances of late, with the veteran even getting benched against Real Madrid.

On the summer signing, Xavi said: “I think he is doing a good job, but there is competition. It’s about performance. Whoever is better is the one who is going to play.

“I see Oriol mentally prepared, he’s a guy with a great predisposition. He will continue to be important for the group.”

Barcelona’s new co-ordinator, Bojan Krkic, spoke about the club’s loanees and youngsters in an interview on Thursday, urging the club to take care of a player like Lamine Yamal.

Responding to Bojan’s statements, Xavi said: “I think it is a very positive message from Bojan. It comes to say that we must be cautious. Do not rush because he is 16 years old.

“We have great expectations of him but we must not rush. Bojan’s role is very important for the club. We must manage young people under pressure.”

Discussing the dressing room and the morale within the team, the Barça boss said: “We have a healthy and noble dressing room. The attitude has never failed, I’m happy with the work and the willingness of everyone. Maximum pressure, welcome. The team is hungry.”

On his own mood and whether he was feeling angry or upset, Xavi added: “I know that there are a lot of demands. I’m not angry at all, quite the opposite. I’m happy. In the season there are bumps and you have to manage as a coach.

“I see the team very prepared to turn this situation around, there are a lot of league games left. We have to keep working, I’m not upset.”

When asked if he fears losing his job, the manager replied: “It’s the coach’s life. It’s the reality. Today we’re here and tomorrow we’re not. Coaches get sacked every week.”

Discussing the workload of right-back Joao Cancelo, Xavi said: “We have a lot of alternatives. The other day Araujo played. Cancelo looks good and he’s a very strong player. There is no significant risk of fatigue.”

On the entire team’s physical condition and whether fatigue was creeping in, the manager responded: “It’s not fatigue. It’s more of a disconnection and occasional mistakes. Against Madrid, we had the game under control.”

On Takefusa Kubo

Real Sociedad’s biggest dangerman tomorrow night will be former Barcelona academy man Takefusa Kubo, who is enjoying a fine start to the season.

Praising the Japanese winger, Xavi said: “For me, he is one of the most important players at Real Sociedad. He’s in an extraordinary moment and we’ll have to stop him. He’s a footballer of a very high level.”

Kubo was at Barça’s La Masia academy, but ended up leaving the club to return to Japan, only to come back to Spain a few years later, signing for Real Madrid.

When asked why the Japanese ace was not at Barcelona, Xavi said: “I was not at that time at the club. I don’t know the exact situation. Kubo has a very high level. I don’t know what happened at that time.”

On the Ballon d’Or

Earlier this week, Xavi’s former Barcelona teammate and club legend Lionel Messi won the Men’s Ballon d’Or award for the eighth time in his career. Meanwhile, Barça Femeni star, Aitana Bonmati won the Women’s Ballon d’Or.

When asked if he had congratulated the winners, Xavi said: “In Spain, there is controversy about everything. With Aitana there is no debate. Aitana’s importance in the game is spectacular, with that DNA of ours. It’s a spectacle to watch her play.

“Leo’s award is well deserved. Best player of the World Cup. He’s the best in history. I spoke to him this week, he was very happy.”

On whether he felt he missed out on the Ballon d’Or back in 2010, Xavi said: “It’s a voting issue. If people vote… That’s how it works. In 2010 the votes were very evenly spread.

“There was Iniesta, Villa, Casillas, me? The votes were distributed. When Messi’s envelope came out, it was fair. My feeling was that justice was done to the best footballer.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo