A serene and calmer Xavi than in previous appearances appeared in the press room at the Príncipe Faisal stadium with the desire to convey a message of optimism. He was a Xavi that matches more with his lifelong image of pure football, without so many nerves or tension. A Xavi who believes that his team is on the right path and just needs to confirm it. In that sense, the Super Cup is seen as an opportunity.
“I think we are finding the game again and we are just missing that click, that turning point. That can come in the Super Cup, as happened last year when we played wonderfully and that gave us confidence for the rest of the season,” Xavi started.
For the same thing to happen this season, the player from Terrassa asked his team for an extra effort without the ball. “I am concerned about the forcefulness in both areas but especially in ours. We are giving away too much in defense, we have to put an end to those mistakes because in a competition like the Super Cup those mistakes send you home.”
These errors make Barça suffer a lot and fail to win games widely. “I’m not worried about winning games by one goal, I’m more worried about other aspects. “I plan to win both the semi-final and the final by the minimum.”
Xavi’s objective is for this tournament to work like an ointment, like last season. “The situation is more or less the same and there are no minor titles at Barça. We are favorites against Osasuna but we have to confirm it later on the field.”
Xavi did not offer clues about the lineup but he did say that of the injured people who have traveled, the one who is best is Pedri. “We are more optimistic with Pedri, he has been doing well for days. Cancelo has it more complicated and as for Iñigo Martínez he is practically ruled out.”
The more troops who join the cause the better. In this sense, Xavi stated that João Félix will be an important player “whether he starts or comes out later, as he has been all season.”
According to the coach, his team has improved a lot compared to its first Super Cup, two years ago. “We have played excellent games and insufficient games, to achieve the excellence that leads us to the titles we have to have more continuity.”
Meanwhile, Ronald Araújo agreed very much with his coach. “I think we lack forcefulness in both areas, behind and forward. That gave us a lot last year, we have to concede few goals and resolve at the top to close out the games and win well.”
Araújo affirmed that the team is on the right path and pointed out that he likes to spread his spirit. “Because of my way of being, sometimes I do more than what I have to and I go above and beyond to try to give that energy and strength that comes out of me.”
Despite having a great offer from Bayern on the table, the defender assured that he is not distracted. “There are always rumors in the markets but I am very happy and very focused on Barça, I show it every time I wear this shirt. I am one of the captains and I try to act as such. “I know the responsibility and privilege of wearing the bracelet.”