As usual before the match, Xavi sat down to take on Galatasaray for pre-match pressure.
Barcelona will host the Turkish giants in the round of 16 of the European League, and they know that resolving the issue in the first leg itself will give them a strong boost of momentum.
Galatasaray may be twelfth in the league, but they have come this far in the European competition, and as Xavi has said before, the Blaugrana should not take anything for granted.
Join Barça Universal as we follow the coach’s press conference on the topic.
About the match: “We are looking forward to the match. It is not the Champions League, but we are playing with hope, with good dynamics and if we continue like this, we should be in a good position soon.”
On whether the team would have been in a better place had he arrived earlier: “I don’t know, I thank Laporta for his words, I am happy for him. He is a brave boss and a natural leader. Someone who is up to the task.”
On Araujo and Gavi’s renewals: “They are two very important players. The club is doing very well and they are a priority. It is a process. Sometimes the negotiations are lengthy. Hopefully it is in the interest of the club that there will be an agreement. It is a matter of time, I think.”
On the line of Galatasaray coach Dominic: “Dom” is a friend. We were together in Qatar watching our training sessions and his style is very similar to ours. Although it takes time. He has a lot of ability to do a good job.”
On the Europa League favourites: “I don’t consider us as favorites in the Europa League. We don’t know the competition, and we’ve never won it. Sevilla are more favourites than us. Sure, we are one of the favourites but it’s not about moments. You have to prove it on the pitch, every game is a test. “.
In shifts: “Tomorrow there will be changes in the squad, there are players who are tired and accumulate several minutes. In the lead and in the middle of the field, we have a set of possibilities that we have to take advantage of.”
On Messi’s return to the Bernabéu tonight: “Messi did wonders not only at the Bernabéu, but everywhere. Yes, I will watch the match between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. I wish the best for Leo and Neymar.”
Ter Stegen: “Everyone needs competition. Competitiveness is needed because that way everyone improves. When you look at the sides and see that someone else is doing it better, you want to improve.”
On Koeman’s style: “I’m satisfied, we made a big change. Koeman, who was the last coach, had a different playing model and there were things to change, which took time. The team has improved a lot, but we haven’t done anything yet.”
“Koman was a brave coach, he chose young players who have proven themselves and made that decision. I only have good words for him, but I can’t get into his relationship with the president.”
On the substitutes: “I feel bad because I have put players on the bench who are training well, like Braithwaite, Ricky, Mngueza and Eric. I insist that they should continue to train hard.”
On signing for Barcelona: “It is always a good time to sign for Barcelona. It is the best club in the world. I insist that I have not seen any player say they do not want to play with us.”
On Haaland: “When you talk to any player, you tell him what’s in here, the way we play, the training…let him know that this is the best club, the city is great.”
About Dani Alves: “Alves is the player with the most trophies in history and his work is fantastic. He is a captain without the captaincy and we will decide to extend it at the end of the season, now.”
On Inaki Pena (on loan from Galatasaray): “Inaki was very brave when he left. He was in a difficult situation here and told us he wanted to play. He is doing very well and the idea is to come back to Barcelona and be part of the team.”
About Ansu Fati: “Ansu is in the final part of his recovery, and we will see if he can start working with the group soon.”
On the league title: “It is very difficult, but not impossible.”