Xavi Hernández’s announcement was followed by a narrow victory. With suffering. No fanfare. Without major positive points beyond Vitor Roque’s goal. But the coach applauded the players’ efforts. “We reacted well, with a goal from Vitor Roque and a clean sheet. There are three positive points but we must improve,” he analyzed.
Xavi put his hand on the fire for the commitment of the locker room after learning that he will not continue next season. “I had no doubt that the players would give 1% more if they could. It was very important today, for this reaction. The fans have been 10”, he highlighted.
In the team’s debt, the coach put not knowing how to play with the score in favor and with one more player than Osasuna. “We have suffered more than necessary again. Winning we have lacked control, which is when it is needed most,” he lamented. “We have to demand more of ourselves. When they are with ten you have to be patient to finish the game,” he insisted.
The big news was the scoring debut of Vitor Roque, the signing of the winter market. “It’s going to be very important for him. Scorers depend a lot on the goal. He needed it and, seeing the celebration, you can see that he has freed himself because he had had opportunities and had not taken advantage of them,” reflected a Xavi who is clear about the Brazilian’s virtues. “He works, he goes deep, he plays easy and he knows his qualities. He is going to help us a lot.”
On the contrary, Ferran Torres’ injury was described as a misfortune. “It’s a shame about Ferran. There are few like him, who put so much intensity. We gave him a rest at Villarreal. It is a disgrace because he was very well.” And he attributed it mainly to the calendar. “In 28 days we have had nine games and only two last ones at home.”
Pedri also views Vitor Roque’s work and sense of smell favorably. “He puts a lot of intensity into it when he comes out and it has already been seen that he has a goal. He constantly throws shots and that is important in a team. He is going to help us a lot,” he praised the Brazilian.
The interior referred to the days before the match, with the emotional component of Xavi’s announcement. “It is not normal for this to happen in one week of the season. It’s been a difficult week for us. The triumph knows well where we came from,” he acknowledged.
The Canarian wanted to make it clear that the locker room wants a happy ending for the Egarense. “What’s left with him we’re going to give everything. He has helped us all a lot. We have to come out with even more desire and give them victories.”
Pedri put himself in the coach’s shoes. “It must be complicated to be the coach of Barça, I haven’t been, but every time you don’t win you get hit. But for me this is the best club in the world,” he concluded.
