FC Barcelona lost yet another key match of the season. This time the Culés were beaten by Athletic Club Bilbao by a narrow 3-2 at the San Mamés. After the match Xavi, Torres and Alba all spoke with the press.
This is what club manager Xavi Hernández had to say after the defeat:
On the match
“I honestly think that Athletic played a great game. We tried and we had a hard time progressing. They have defended very well and we have not matched their intensity. They have been superior and I saw a very strong Athletic.”
Regarding the last couple of days
“We’ve let two titles slip away. We’ve had tough days because things don’t work out. There is no other option but to continue believing in this project. We have worked hard but without good results.”
On the injuries
“It is a difficult day because the match also left us with injured players. Pedri’s case doesn’t seem like anything too serious, we’ll see about Ansu who was hurt, we have to wait for the diagnosis.”
Ferran Torres, who scored his first goal for the Blaugranas, also expressed his point of view:
Regarding the match
“It was a tough match. We have to keep working and move on. We will overcome this bad streak. I think we played well and made a few individual mistakes. We are on the right track and we have to congratulate Athletic. We have to keep working and the results will come.”
On their aspirations for the rest of the season
“The season is being complicated, but we have the players to pull it off and we will pull it off.”
Finally, Jordi Alba, also spoke with the press after the final whistle:
Regarding the match
“In the second half and in extra time we played well. In the first we lacked a lot of things. We have to improve in many things: we have to try to attack better, have more possession, not allow the counter attacks. Too bad, another chance slipped away. We have to reconsider and continue.”
On what they have to change
“The work we do with Xavi is positive but it is a difficult year. There are new players, but we have quality players. It is a very difficult year individually and collectively. Those of us who have been around the longest have to encourage the younger ones.”
Regarding Torres
“We know he has great quality. It was a great goal and I am sure he will help us a lot but, in the end, what matters are the wins. We must try to improve and the wins will arrive.”
