It was a relieved Xavi Hernández who met the press after the 2-1 victory over Alavés, where Barca had been in big trouble. Xavi was pleased that the team showed progress, but he also acknowledged that the team is not playing well enough.
‘Purely in terms of position, we weren’t bad, but it’s true that we had a hard time with their changes. After the break we played for a really good half hour. We improved a little bit, but a lot more needs to be done. Today we had to dig deep and show personality to win. It is a very important victory,’ he began.
Here’s what Xavi also said:
The quick goal of Alavés:
‘We have a loss of the ball by Gündogan and then they score on us. We have lost many points due to too many gifts. The team is not in the best period, so the international break is good for us’.
Gündogan’s mistake at the goal:
‘Gündogan lost a ball he doesn’t usually lose, and with a goal after 18 seconds, we have to work twice as hard. It was an unacceptable mistake. We give away many gifts and it costs money. We have experienced it against Mallorca and Granada. This must not happen, because it creates an uncertain situation and it is not good’.
The team’s current problems:
‘I feel we are experiencing a low point, but in La Liga we have managed two games where we were very bad. The players were more tense than usual because of the pressure from the environment. It creates a nervousness that is not normal’.
Lewandowski’s two goals:
‘He is always ready past he works for it. He has personality and is a leader’.
Faith in the future:
‘We are getting better and I am very positive. Today we improved in periods, but we have to move on from here. I’m fine and calm’.
