Following a flat performance against Galatasaray, Barcelona face another challenge at home, this time against Osasuna. Xavi faced the press ahead of the game, where he talked about Haaland, Osasuna, Messi and more.
Here’s what Xavi had to say:
On Osasuna:
“Osasuna can adapt to different systems. They have used defences of four and five throughout the season. It will be a difficult match because they are an intense and aggressive team. Jagoba is doing an extraordinary job.”
On Frenkie or Nico as a pivot:
“At certain times it may be Nico. I don’t see Pedri as a pivot, but Nico and Frenkie can play there.”
On rotations:
“We have to decide based on discomfort, suspension, fatigue, and Thursday’s game. If we had won against Galatasaray by 2 or 3 goals, much of the focus would be on this match.”
On Center Backs:
“We will decide and it depends. I choose defenders according to their profile and also the rivals’. We have 4 guranteed center backs and all have chances to play.”
On PSG and Messi:
“I have a friendly relationship with Messi and I have sent him words of encouragement. It seemed like PSG were gonna win but Madrid turned it around. That’s the Champions League. When you lower the intensity, the opponent gets all over you.”
On teams using a ‘low block‘:
“We were very good against Elche and they used a low block. We have different solutions for different teams but they have to be applied in the game.”
On previous games:
“Against Atletico, we were very clinical, as well as in Naples. We scored early and that helped us. They also played with an open defence.”
On Mbappé or Haaland:
“Everyone wants important players, it would be great for the league if they come. Although now I train Ansu, Pedri, and Busquets.”
On Aubameyang:
“He has to be important. He’s tired because he’s been playing a lot lately. It’s normal to be tired after playing so much, he’s helped us a lot.”
On Araujo:
“He has improved a lot ever since November, especially with the ball. He is not a homegrown player, so natrually he needs more development. But he always makes a difference on the pitch.”
