More Xavi than ever in Riyadh. If you don’t want style and philosophy, then two cups. If you don’t like people talking about the model, then model through and through. With overwhelming enthusiasm, the Barcelona coach appeared in the Al Awwal Park press room asking his men ad nauseam to be faithful to the club’s history and that means not deviating from the canons that Johan Cruyff established. To do so, the coach considers that last year’s final in which Barcelona won 3-1 is the mirror.
“The example of last season is the ideal, the one we have to try to repeat. We have to dominate with the ball and impose our personality. “I think we came in a little worse than Madrid but when the game starts I think everything will be equal and there will be no favorites.”
The Barcelona coach did not want to confirm that he was going to repeat the formula of the four midfielders that was key a year ago, but he does consider that the football of that day is the spirit to follow. “The idea is very clear to me, we have to take the ball away from Madrid whether we play with three midfielders, four or five. Our idea is to overcome the opponent with our style from 30 years ago, the one instilled by Johan Cruyff. Last year we were very proud and this is the path we are looking for. We have to be faithful to Cruyffism.”
Not content with this, he then insisted. “We have to have more personality than ever, be faithful to Cruyffism and our identity, faithful to how. Although there are times when we don’t get it, this is the idea.”
Xavi admitted that last season he watched the Super Cup final two or three times but that he hasn’t seen it now. “No, no, because Madrid has changed the system and there are new players. He plays without nine, he has four midfielders and Bellingham makes a difference from the second line as was seen in Montjuïc,” he noted.
The Barcelona coach says that he is very clear about the game system and the names are quite clear but he did not give any clue. Of course, from his response it is understood that Lamine Yamal has many options to start to replace Raphinha. “If he plays I will ask him for self-confidence, talent and individual quality. He has to demonstrate his talent, the stage will not weigh him down because he has the personality to make a difference even as a teenager. Having Mendy, Fran García, or Camavinga in front of you will surely bring out their talent.”
Minutes before Ancelotti had been affectionate in his message with Xavi. The Barcelona coach returned the compliments. “He has left his mark in all the countries where he has been, he is a gentleman, an example, I have extraordinary respect for him. Our methods are different but we were both midfielders.”
