Xavi was well pleased when he sat down in the chair in the press room after the 1-0 win over Atlético Madrid on Sunday night. He was pleased with the team’s good fight, but also believed that the victory should have been bigger.
“There have been situations in the season where we were not inspired, but today we were good. Our high pressure after losing the ball was really good and the only thing missing was efficiency. I think it was a game that we could have won big. I am very satisfied because we did well, except in the last minutes” he began.
“It is an important week for us. We came from the match in the Champions League and now we played a great match against a direct rival in the league. It was a really good experience today. As I saw the game, the victory was too small” continued Xavi.
“I think the players took a step forward, just like the coaching staff did. We must dare. Atlético pressed us in the second half, but we kept our composure. We saw a complete match and it shows that the team grows in the biggest moments. We are in Barca and we must demand that we play like this every time. It was perhaps our best game of the season,” he continued.
Here’s what Xavi also commented:
Joao Felix’s performance:
“With his goal, he again made the difference for the team. He gave everything, because I saw him work hard and win many balls. He finds Cancelo well on the edge. I’m happy for him”.
Should Barca try to sign Felix this summer?
“It is a question for the sporting management, but we are very satisfied with him. He is a good kid who makes fun. I am delighted to have him on the team”.
Iñaki Peña’s performance:
“Iñaki Peña is a role model. He trains as he plays, and he trains well even when he is not playing. Today he saved us again. It’s wild. He’s really good”.
Ter Stegen’s condition:
“Marc has some discomfort in his back and we will have to see this week how things develop. When we have more to say, we will announce it. He has this discomfort that won’t go away, so we’ll have to see”.
Will Vitor Roque arrive in January?
“We have to see what happens with Vitor Roque, but I hope he comes in January”.
Why couldn’t Iñigo Martínez play?
“He felt discomfort in one thigh”.
Defense performance:
“Jules (Koundé) did well. He changed position as the match progressed. Andreas and Araujo were also good. I am very satisfied with the defense’s efforts”.
