Xavi held a press conference on Friday afternoon ahead of Sunday’s game against Athletic Bilbao. Here, the Barca coach commented on the team’s many injured players, but also brought good news about Lewandowski.
Xavi’s press conference:
The match against Bilbao:
‘It will be a difficult match. Athletic have started the season well, they are physically strong and they are a brave team. They apply high pressure and have shown a high level in their matches. At the same time, we have quite a few injured players, but that will not be an excuse. We must win the game with the support of our fans.
Injuries:
‘It is natural to run into injuries in such a tightly packed programme. In addition, we have also been downright unlucky with two ankle injuries and a knee injury. Even though we have a lot of injuries, we still have to win our games’.
Lewandowski:
‘It looks really good in terms of his rehabilitation. We all hope he is in El Clásico and he wants to play himself no matter what. He wants to play even if he is still in pain’.
Reducing Nacho’s Quarantine:
‘I am very surprised that Nacho’s (from Real Madrid, ed.) suspension has been reduced. We had to do without Lewandowski for three games because he touched his nose and they rejected our appeal. It surprises me a lot that they reduce the ban for Nacho’s tackle, which could easily seriously injure the opponent. It makes no sense’.
Araujo, Gündogan, Balde and Yamal:
‘They have all had some minor blemishes, but are ready for Sunday’s game. They can all play’.
The position:
‘It is still very close at the top of La Liga. We are only three points behind Real Madrid and only a single point behind Girona. We are where we need to be, but it is clear that we have to improve in several areas if we want to stay at the top of the table’.
Iñigo Martínez:
‘He will be an important player this season. He is a signing that I personally approved. He is incredibly strong with the ball in the build-up game and he can contribute a lot’.
