FC Barcelona have lost for the second time in just one week. On this occasion the Culés were beaten by Cádiz 1-0 at the Camp Nou. After the difficult match, Xavi Hernández, Jordi Cruyff, Sergio Busquets and Eric García all spoke with the press.
This is what manager Xavi Hernández had to say:
On the match
“We have created chances. They played a slow game and had good tactics. We have not been effective and, when they went ahead, they have slowed down the match.”
“We have to get up and to focus on the match of Thursday. We must continue and there is no other option. It was a very bad week and we have to turn this around as soon as possible because we still have the goal of the reaching the Champions League.”
Regarding the defeat
“Today was a match that needed faith, hope, and the team lacked it and I consider myself responsible. We’re risking qualifying for the Champions League and we have to be aware, that’s why I’m angry, the team should have shown more faith, desire and enthusiasm.”
On the team’s morale
“We are angry, it was lost a golden opportunity. We could have gotten away from rest of the teams fighting to reach the CL. Even continued to fight for LaLiga, to which we almost said goodbye. I’m disappointed and angry, we have to play with more determination. Being self-critical is key because this is Barça and more things have to be done.”
Regarding possible changes to the tactics
“Nothing has been done yet, there has been a change of system, idea and game, but we have to improve. In order to play the next Champions League we have to play with more faith, determination and drive, We cannot give away three clear opportunities.”
The technical secretary, Jordi Cruyff, also spoke with the press:
On the team’s aspirations
“We have to secure the Champions League spot. There is no other option but to get up because we have a very tough match against Real Sociedad. Right now, we only think one game at a time. We came from a good streak and now what we have to try is to add three by three to achieve the goal.”
Regarding new possible signings
“The results do not change what we were already thinking. We always work to improve the team. That process already started in January and we had some very good weeks. We have to continue along that line and that is what we are going to try to do in this next market.”
On Demebélé’s renewal
“Dembélé is an important player who makes a difference. We have already seen it. We need differential players and that is what we are looking for. We want him to continue and the player wants to continue, so let’s see if an agreement can be reached.”
Sergio Busquets, captain of the team, gave his point of view as well:
Regarding the match
“We have not started well, we have were slow, the last pass was missing and creating more opportunities. Cádiz had few chances but they are very clear and then we didn’t get it right, there was a lot of time wasted and it was more difficult. Many things need to be improved.”
On their aspirations for the rest of the season
“There are seven games left and we have to make an effort and win them all, starting with Thursday against a very tough rival. If we have to get back into streak we had so far in these last games and finish the season in the best way.”
Finally, the young center-back, Eric García, also spoke with the press after the final whistle:
Regarding the match
“We were anxious to find the goal and we lost control and then they scored. They closed up and we crossed too many balls, especially with Luuk de Jong’s substitution.”
“In the end, when you are on goal down, you go for the goal, you take the risk and they have had several opportunities but so did we.”
On what they have to do now
“Focus on ourselves and don’t let three points like these get away again.”
