Xavi Hernández appeared at the press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Copa del Rey fixture against Linares and talked about the transfer market, Ousmane Dembélé, Dr. Ricard Pruna, and more.
After securing all three points despite having 17 players unavailable in the first match of the year, FC Barcelona will hope to continue their good form in the first match of the Copa del Rey against Linares. Xavi Hernández sat down with the press to answer their questions. This is what he had to say :
On the game against Linares :
“It is a difficult, complicated game. We know the difficulty to play against this team. They play at home, with their fans. We have analyzed them and it will not be easy. There are first-division teams that have needed extra time or penalties to advance. They are a smaller rival, but they will be extra motivated.”
On Dembélé :
“I am calm and waiting for news. It does not depend on me. It depends on the club, the player, and the representatives. Ousmane would have to make an effort and think about the future. This is the best sports project for him. Nowhere will he be as happy as at Barça. Let’s see what he decides.”
On the importance of the cup :
“It is one of the titles that we compete in every season and we are motivated. The Cup is a goal, regardless of the situation in other competitions. We want to win it. We are the current champions and we want to repeat it.”
On Coutinho’s future :
“I have not spoken with Philippe about that, he has helped us when he has played. For there to be entries in the squad, there must be exits. We are pending to register Alves as well and we have to balance things.”
On the possibilities in the transfer market :
“I am with the president, I am very optimistic. I like that he is positive and ambitious. I am delighted with him. We are working very well and close to the goal of entering the Champions League places in the table. The situation is difficult and we are working hard at all levels to get Barça back to where it deserves. We are on the way.”
On Ricard Pruna :
“He has been with us for two weeks now and he is fundamental. For me, he is the best in the world, he is a good professional. I am delighted to have him here.”
On the possible debut of Dani Alves :
“I see him very well. He is spectacular in training, with a lot of intensity and professionalism. He will help us a lot with his gameplay on the wing. He is 38 years old but he is training well and will help us in many games.”
On Ter Stegen’s save against Mallorca :
“It is good for his confidence. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. His level was so excellent in recent years that now the criticism has come in. I have no doubt that he will be at that level again.”
On the squad list :
“Tomorrow we will decide. We have not given the squad list yet because we are waiting to know if we can register Alves. Neto is one more situation and we will have to analyze it. Memphis and Ansu are not yet ready for tomorrow. They are working well and we will see if they can be there against Granada.”
On Riqui Puig :
“He is helping us. I ask him to shoot, to create chances. The other day he played a great game and he is important for the team. There is a lot of competition in the midfield. I have a lot of trust in him.”
On Morata :
“Better to talk about the players we have and who we can register. Morata and Haaland are great players but they are not ours. If Morata signs for Barça, I will answer.”
On his contribution to the team :
“I follow the model of the game. You have to have the automatisms and habits to pick up the style of the positional game. The players pick it up and play better every time, but they have to be more consistent.”
On Demir :
“Demir is a part of the squad. We will see if he leaves or if he stays. The club is negotiating with his representative. At the moment he is a part of the squad and that’s why he trained with the group.”
