Xavi talks Pique, Dest, Memphis, Dembele, Pedri, Adama ahead of Levante clash

Barcelona will look to get back to winning way when they travel to Ciudad de Valencia to lock horns with Levante. The clash is scheduled for gameweek 31 of La Liga, and comes on the back off their 1-1 draw against Frankfurt.

Despite the hectic schedule, tomorrow is a chance for Xavi to rotate. Levante are stuck in 19th place with just four wins this season and have conceded 22 goals in 15 games at home.

Ahead of the clash, Xavi adressed the media as part of his pre-game press conference. All quotes in this thread, brought to you by Barça Universal.

On Levante: “They are a tough opposition on a tough ground, and are motivated for the game. We want all three points, though.”

On Pique’s injury: “He has an injury and is working hard. In the last two months, he has been performing at an amazing level, we will see what happens. It’s not a big injury, but a discomfort. We will check when and if he’s ready on Thursday.”

On Sergi Roberto: “The club knows my opinion. We will see the negotiations of Roberto and the club, he is about to return and is training well. Next week, he may enter the squad list and then it depends on his recover.”

On Yuste’s statement on Dembele: “I have said several times, since November until now, what I have seen from Dembele is professionalism. He is a difference-maker, trains well, follows the rules and is loved by his teammates. I notices that he is positive and there is nothing to complain about, he gives us a lot and helps us defensive as well.”

On the Frankfurt game: “We analysed the Frankfurt game. We lost possession in dangerous areas. They were good at transitions, unlike us.”

“Despite that it was a good result. The pitch was not good, but we have to criticise ourselves first.”

On signing a ‘star’: The economic situation explains itself, we are not in a place to go ‘crazy’, we are trying to bolster ourselves for next season, we will try whatever is possible. We have to be careful because it is not an easy situation.”

On Sergino Dest: “He is close to returning. It depends on the player’s feelings, we’ll see.”

“Both, him and Memphis, are close to returning to the squad. They should be back by Thursday.”

On Dani Alves’ interview and Mbappe-Haaland quotes: “I’ll forgive Dani for anything he says. Sometimes you complain about the lack of headlines, but with Dani, picking just one headline can be difficult. He is phenomenal.”

On Fati: “We are happy that he is back in training, he is fine now and needs 3-4 training sessions more. The most important thing is that he does not feel any pain now, everything is fine and we hope to see him soon.”

On Sergio Busquets: “With all due respect to Casemiro, Busquets is the best defensive midfielder in the last 15 years. Finding a player like him is very complicated and what he gives us, noone can.”

On Alba: “He is a competitive beast. I think everything he gives us: on the pitch, and his leadershop in the dressing room is not appreciated properly.”

On if Garcia can replicate Pique’s leadership: “Depends on him. We are very happy with hiim and the way he wins duels, he is commited to the team and is a leader in the defence. He has high quality and this is what we need. Without a doubt, he will be here for several years.”

On Pedri: “It depends on how we play. In the last game, it was difficult to ‘find’ him because Frankfurt played the ball, and we were not at our best.”

On Adama: “We will see what we can do at the end of the season, he played a good game last time and beat the defender well. He did what he had to do and contributed well, he’s an important part of the team.”

On Gavi’s renewal: “I am optimistic. Gavi wants to stay and it depends on the club, the player, and his agents as well. He deserves to stay and I hope he does.”

Source: BarçaTV+