Barcelona is undefeated in its 12 away games in the championship. The Blaugrana have won the last four league trips. But three of the next four departures are to San Mamés (this Sunday), the Metropolitano (March 17) and the Santiago Bernabéu (in April). In that period, the Barcelona fans must demonstrate whether they are capable of re-editing the League. “It is the moment of truth, we will face direct rivals and we are playing for the Champions League,” said Xavi.
Three days after being eliminated from the Cup in extra time in Bilbao (4-2), in the midst of a crisis of results in January, Xavi announced that on June 30 he would leave the Barça bench. And since then his team has four wins and two draws. “To this day nothing has changed. There is no theme, there is no variation,” I say about whether there is a possibility of it being discredited.
Two full teams face each other. If they don’t tie, one of the two streaks will be broken. Athletic, the new Cup finalist, has not lost at home since August against Madrid. Barcelona, ??for its part, is beginning to believe it. “Now we are fine. I see the team loose and less tense than days ago. I feel good about the team. More responsible, more competitive, more reliable with and without the ball. San Mamés will be a trial by fire but we arrived at a good time,” he stressed.
Barcelona stands after a blank week and Valverde’s team awaits them, the most intense in the League, according to the data handled by Xavi’s coaching staff. “They will be tired from playing on Thursday but their confidence will be through the roof. Let’s hope that the losses of Nico Williams, Vivian and Yuri are noticeable,” he wished. The first two are suspended and the third is injured.
Xavi spoke about all his forwards, Lewandowski, João Félix, Raphinha and even Ferran Torres, who will reappear on Friday against Mallorca, but Lamine Yamal’s name did not appear in the press room. The 16-year-old winger had a great game in the Cup at the Cathedral, with a goal and several good chances. He did not play in the 0-4 against Getafe and will be rested today. “There will be a lot of space behind the defense, it will be similar to the Getafe game. “We will have to be more vertical and more effective than in the Cup.”