It was a very serious Xavi who held a press conference after the 3-2 victory over Almería. He described the team’s first half as completely unacceptable and admitted he had been furious at half-time.
“It was more difficult than expected and than we deserved. We finished 30 times and gave away two goals. The first half was unacceptable for me as a coach. In the second half you saw the Barca you want to see, but we burned too much. Like that it’s been a month or two. We made life difficult for ourselves,” he began.
“I’m happy with the victory, because I think it’s deserved, but we once again burned a lot. We made big mistakes in defense, but the victory was deserved,” he continued.
Here’s what Xavi also said:
The reason for the team’s problems:
“The team lacked soul. The team does not have the same soul as last season, neither when it comes to aggressiveness nor concentration”.
Was there too much complacency in the first half?
“Yes, and it’s my responsibility. I guarantee it won’t happen again. Absolutely”.
The two substitutions at half-time:
“We needed more pace and Andreas had a warning and that entailed a big risk. We needed more intensity”.
Sergi Roberto’s two goals:
“It makes me happy that it was Sergi Roberto, because he is a role model, regardless of whether he plays or not. It almost became a hat-trick, I’m happy for him”.
What Xavi said at half-time to the players:
“I said we needed a gear more and more attitude. We lacked the values it implies to wear this jersey. It was my hardest transition as a coach. I think I expressed myself very clearly. It worked. We saw that in Second Half”.
The meaning of the victory:
“We got a decisive win because we need it and the three points because of our situation”.
Do the players need a Christmas break?
“It will be good to be able to relax and start 2024 with the goal of winning titles”.
The buzz from the supporters:
“I understand that very well, but I don’t like it. I’ve been to the Camp Nou many times, but I’ve never whistled, because I know how the players feel”.
