Xavi: "If we want to compete, we have to find a Busquets"

This Sunday the current Camp Nou will open its doors for the last time. Under the motto “Ple d’història. Ple de futur” there will be a festive day to say goodbye to the home of the Barcelona fans, inaugurated in 1957. “It is an emotional and sad farewell. The Camp Nou is home. We have experienced many things. There are many emotions. But we’re leaving for a good cause. We will return to have a better Camp Nou in which we can all feel more comfortable. It is positive”, said Xavi Hernández with a hint of nostalgia.

In his memory, the FC Barcelona coach has saved two moments. “I keep my debut. But above all with my farewell as a player. We are professionals but also people and the most important thing is the esteem of the people. Leaving the Camp Nou with a hat-trick and feeling very loved was the best, ”he reflected. “We have been very comfortable at the Camp Nou and now we have to move to another house. It will not be an easy year, but the people, with the enthusiasm they have, are going to move to Montjuïc. We need the fans a lot” , requested.

The match against Mallorca will not only be special because of the farewell to the current Camp Nou. Two captains like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba will also say goodbye. “It is an evidence that we will miss them. Jordi and Busi have been references for their teammates, but in the end the roles are being marked and you are seeing another type of leadership. There are people who have to step up. I don’t have any concern about who the captains will be”, he pointed out. And he revealed that Jordi Alba’s departure “is a personal decision. He told me and we had a very long and very positive conversation. He has helped us at all times on and off the pitch “It is an example. Jordi and Sergio’s farewell are two more motivations to try to win Mallorca after two games in which we have not succeeded. We want to have an excellent farewell and hopefully we can offer our best version”, he said.

Xavi, who came to the Barcelona bench in November 2021, has led a generational change in the squad. Making decisions and leaving colleagues and friends on the bench. “It is difficult to manage friends, people with whom I have shared many things. It is difficult to define the extent to which friendship and professionalism are. It happened to me with Piqué and Alves and now with Busquets and Alba. The position of coach is above of anything. I prioritize the club. It’s not a personal decision, it’s a group one”.

In this sense, Xavi defended that his Barça has already undergone a change of cycle. “This year a new stage has already begun. I don’t have the feeling of a generational change. It has been a natural evolution. With Balde, Jordi Alba has played less and without Busquets we need a top signing in this market. Those who have been important this season they will continue to be”.

The technician is especially clear about what he prioritizes for next year. “We have to find a replacement for Busquets. If we want to compete well next year it is essential. We have to sign the profile that is more complete. A very decisive player, who wins duels and is intelligent. Busi’s natural substitute”, he stressed .

The relief is not in the Masia. Gone is that stage in which La Masia was a pivot factory. “Some like Samper, Oriol Romeu were generated… Touré Yayá had to leave, a spectacular footballer. We have been lucky that Busquets has never been injured. The players at the end decide that they have to leave. Now is the time to find a replacement because we are not sure if there is one at home”, reflected Xavi.

Facing Barça next season, Xavi has Koundé, who this week spoke with the coach to express that he feels more comfortable playing as a center back than as a winger. The Frenchman, who was out due to injury in the last match against Valladolid in Pucela, has entered the squad. “There are no problems with Koundé. He is a great guy, a professional. He is a fundamental piece and we had a very sincere and clear conversation”, explained Xavi.

However, he did not defend Ansu Fati so much. The coach left the future of Barça’s 10 up in the air. “I have not spoken with Ansu Fati. We have to plan everything from now on, when we know how the financial fair play is going,” Xavi outlined.

As for Pedri, who is injured, the coach explained that it is very possible that the Canary Islander will not play the Nations League with the Spanish team this summer. “We have communication with the Federation and I have a very good relationship with the coach. Pedri needs this rest. He has forced many times with the team and it is time to rest. We are in direct communication with the Federation,” he sentenced.