For Barça, every match is like a complicated childbirth. There comes a time when almost no one expects anything but suffering and agony until the end. It doesn’t matter the rival, the competition or the headquarters. Whether it’s the League, the Champions League, the Cup or the Super Cup. Whether Antwerp, Montjuïc, Las Palmas, Barbastre or Riyadh. Barça flies low and lands as best it can. He pulls and makes ends meet, always having difficulty making ends meet. Despite this, Xavi showed a calmer and more optimistic face yesterday than in previous matches. He was a more footballer Xavi, more in line with his lifelong image. And this was also recommended in the speech of the always serious and committed Ronald Araújo, in the bowels of the Prince Faisal stadium, where Barça practiced yesterday before looking today against Osasuna to qualify for the final of the super cup
“I think we are meeting again and we just need the click to ratify it. I hope that the Super Cup will serve as a turning point, like last season, which was very difficult for us”, said the Barça coach.
Despite everything, the Blaugrana team, defending the title, is the big favourite, and more so considering that the Navarrese team has lost some of the energy it showed last campaign. It is clear that, since Barcelona has not imposed itself on anyone with authority since September, this feeds the faith of the opponents. “I will win by one goal in both the semi-final and the final. I’m more concerned about other things, like being more forceful, especially in our area. We have to give away less”, reasoned the Barcelona coach.
Starting with Xavi, all Barcelona fans know that the Blaugrana game is lacking and must improve, but what Barcelona cannot spare is not even a minute of effort in a game that has no return. Either he pulls it forward, or he goes home. Oasis or desert Yes, one Super Cup only. But the Super Cups are burdened by the devil, especially if the dynamic does not turn out to be positive. To put the frog on, no one like Araújo. Barça must work with their spirit. The Uruguayan has not been quite right in recent weeks, particularly uncomfortable with the mask he used to protect his face, but in terms of attitude and mentality, no one beats him. “Because of the way I am, I sometimes try to do more than my share and motivate myself. I try to lead the team with my spirit and strength”.
At the age of 24, he is already one of the leaders and captains of the Blaugrana dressing room and, if his injuries are respected, he will be in the elite for the next decade. That is why Bayern has knocked on his door with insistence and bids hard for the Uruguayan, who has a contract with Barcelona until 2026. Although at the moment he is only thinking about his Barcelona future, starting with the invitation to the Super Cup, the tournament in which he proclaimed last campaign that “a new era was beginning”, the Blaugrana. “I’m focused on Barça, I show it every time I wear this shirt and every time I wear the armband.”
Whenever he has been physically fit, Xavi has put him on the field, either in the center of defense or on the right. The coach would like all his footballers to have his drive and impeccable attitude.
Starting with João Félix, who lost the title in Las Palmas after his spectacular match against Almeria. At least for the Portuguese, Osasuna brings back good memories. He has won it in the six League games, in which he has faced the Pamplona squad and scored five goals. Barça, which is not full of talent, would need a good temper from João Félix. Let’s see if the proximity of a title stimulates his motivation, if Xavi hasn’t completely despaired of him already. “It will be important”, commented the coach.
The Barcelona coach took the injured Pedri, Cancelo and Iñigo Martínez to Saudi Arabia. “We are more optimistic with Pedri, he has been fine for days. Cancelo has it more complicated, and as for Iñigo Martínez, he is practically ruled out”, said Xavi.
Barça plans to include president Laporta, who has been away from the club’s activities in recent days due to a family issue, in his expedition today. The manager expects a good version of the team and that the tournament will help fill the club’s much-needed coffers. Barça receives a fixed fee of 6 million, which will be 7 if it is a finalist and 7.5 if it revalidates the title. First, Osasuna. The cliché that there is no small enemy is fully fulfilled with the Blaugrana team. In his current situation he has no choice but to give it his all. That’s the only way to get it.
