Xavi before Espanyol: “We are leaders and we are excited about winning LaLiga”

Xavi Hernandez was in a press conference this Friday, December 30, 2022 ahead of the match of the 15th day of LaLiga against Espanyol of Barcelona. And he took the opportunity to make the point of his staff, the return of Lewandowski and many other topics.

It’s good news for the return. You have the whole team available: “Yes, we do. We are motivated after a month and a half without competition, especially the staff. We are looking forward to it. We are leaders and we are excited about winning LaLiga. In addition, we know that Lewandowski can play, we have all the players available and now the problem is for the coach, who must manage it. Espanyol is very motivated on the day of the derby, they work very well defensively and I think they have fewer points than they deserve.”

What’s the difference having Lewandowski : “We discovered him as he was finishing his training. We prepared for the game without Robert and that’s good news, yes, but finding out a day before is not the best time for us. But we are happy. Even he was surprised by the decision. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that the sanction is disproportionate and unfair.”

Have you been told how long this precautionary measure will last? The referees’ committee now has two or three days to appeal. It is good to know when we can count on it, what the final sanction will be. The organization of the sanction is not going well. We do not know if he will be able to play against Atletico. In fact, we may not be able to count on him in a few hours … “

And Busquets, will he continue? It’s his decision. For me, he is very important, but it will depend on him. We will try to convince him.”

Do you think the market will be quiet? I think it will be calm. I’m happy with everyone and with these guys, we will fight for the four titles. I am delighted and happy. We only have the loss of Piqué. I prefer that no one leaves and if no one comes, I am happy too. I am very happy and with them I hope to win titles.”

How have you seen Dembélé? He is doing well, he is happy and content. I have seen him like this since the first day I am here. Losing the World Cup final as a starter seems like a failure… In another sport, it would be a silver medal. I am happy with the World Cup that Ousmane has achieved. He is at a very high level and he will continue to be fundamental for us. He’s going to be on the list like Koundé.”

How can the World Cup affect him? I hope it will condition us all for the best. The players have rested. Some had long vacations, some had shorter vacations, but I think that everyone has disconnected and we have recovered everyone. We have 24 players to compete everything.”

What is the situation of Araújo? Araújo: “The rehabilitators were with Uruguay in Qatar. I also contacted Diego Alonso, and the truth is that he is fine. This week he wanted to train. He was a little slowed down because he always gives 100%. But we will be careful. He will not start tomorrow, but we will be careful. It’s also true that he needs pace.”

Is Eric at 100%? He has doubts because of an ankle injury, but I do not think there is no injury. Basically, we are counting on him.”

What is the bonus if you beat Espanyol? “I have not told the players yet, so I will not make it public.”

What do you think of Lamine Yamal, who trained with the first team? We follow all the young players. He has talent and there is a project for him. I think he can succeed. I hope he will continue to work here for many years. It depends on him but I think he is an important talent and I think we can have a great player in the future.”

Pele praised him a lot, how do you feel about his death? We have to offer our condolences to the family, to all of Brazil. He was a pioneer. Everyone wanted to be Pele. I thank him for having good words for me.”

Why do you think the punishment against Lewandowski is disproportionate? I said to him: “Be careful because they might come after you. And I’m not talking about the referees. And for a gesture, three games is disproportionate.”

Will it be difficult to get back to the level you were at in November? : “I have a good feeling about it. People are in rhythm, with a winning mentality. I think we’ve been practicing at a good level the last couple of weeks. I think we’re in a good spot. I’m happy with what I’ve seen these two weeks and I hope that at least we’ll be where we got to in Pamplona.”

Do you understand that Espanyol may feel disadvantaged by the suspension of the Lewandowski ban : “Yes, of course. The sanction is pending, and we have to wait and see what happens. I hope it will be reduced, yes.”

The referee is Mateu: “I like Mateu because he talks. He gave me a lot of whistles and he is a referee who communicates. He talks a lot with the players and I think that’s positive. A referee can’t be nervous and he’s not. I particularly like him.”

How will the fourth captain be chosen? He has already chosen. It’s Ter Stegen. Because of his seniority and pedigree, it will be Marc. He has already been chosen this week.”

How do you see the competition between Raphinha and Dembélé? Raphinha is more comfortable on the right, but he can help us on the left. Ousmane too. They will adapt. I talked to Raphinha this week and he is open.”

What tasks did you do during the break? We were in Qatar for five days… We did not stop. We programmed the tasks, insisting on the game model, the strategy… In my case, soccer is 24 hours.”

What do you mean by “war” when you talk about it in the documentary? What do you mean by “war” when you talk about it in the documentary? “Well, “soccer war”. It has nothing to do with the referee or the environment. That’s what I mean. Ask for faith, passion and desire. If we match other teams on that, we have a lot to gain because we have talent.”

Has the possibility been considered that Pique extends his career to the derby? : “No. The decision was personal.”

Have you asked Busquets to renew his contract? We have not talked about that. There are still six months of competition and we will see how it goes. We are focused on what happens this season. We can’t make plans for next season. We are focused on this season.” Has the World Cup changed your opinion of certain players? No. I don’t think so. I think, results aside, because there were disappointments as teams, they were at a good level.”