It was a very satisfied Xavi Hernández who held a press conference after the 2-1 victory over Porto. He was happy about the game, the victory and the qualification for the round of 16 in the Champions League.
“We controlled the second half where we played really well. We took a step forward today in addition to qualifying. We developed and I had told the players to show more courage and joy and that we should win the game. We played a really good second half,” he began.
Here’s what Xavi also said:
On to the round of 16:
“We have reached the first goal of the season in this tournament. It is very important for me and for the club that we are ready for the round of 16, after two years in the Europa League. It is clear to everyone that the team grew today. It gives us morale and confidence, but now we want to finish first in the group”
Does Xavi feel relieved?
“No, because I didn’t feel pressured, so there is nothing to be relieved about, but I am happy and feel calm because we have developed. I am very satisfied with our second half and that is the way we are going, but of course there are still things to improve”.
The meaning of the victory:
“We needed to get to the round of 16 after two years outside. We met a really good team today, which I don’t want to face later in the tournament”.
Porto got many chances:
“There is a lot that can be improved, because we gave away more than usual, but Porto also had a hard time in defence, because we created enough chances for a big win. I think we played a good game against a good team“.
Iñaki Peña’s performance:
“Iñaki was fantastic. He has an incredible personality. It was an important match for him on the very big stage. He was formidable and not just with his saves”.
Cancelos and Felix’s match:
“Cancelo was really good and played a super match. We created a lot on their edge, where Felix also did well. It is important for both of them to score goals. It is a relief for Felix to have scored”.
Lewandowski played an anonymous match:
“We have to look for him more and get more passes out. It is normal for a striker to appear frustrated because they want to score goals. It was the same with Villa, Messi, Henry… Strikers are always a bit selfish and want to score. It’s normal”.
The selected players:
“we don’t have a fixed starter. Today we didn’t start with Ferran, Lamine, Christensen, Balde, Sergi Roberto, Marcos.,.., but in modern football there is no fixed line-up. The players need to know that. Everyone is important“
