Barcelona won 1-0 against Alavés, in a much more complicated match than expected. After the final whistle, Xavi Hernández and several players spoke with the press.
This is what Xavi had to say:
On the result
“It was a tough match, but three crucial points, the team needed and deserved them. The sun has risen again, this win goes to show that we are still alive.”
Regarding their performance
“We were dominant, but it is difficult for us to generate upfront. It is not easy to understand when we have to attack or to go two against one, when to attack the open space or when to cross. It takes a lot of confidence, continuing to believe in what we do. We had a tough time, because we generated few chances.”
On what they have to do to achieve better results
“We have to keep working, we got a very important win, a crucial victory. The result proves us right in what we are doing.”
Regarding how the team is mentally speaking
“The players are having a hard time, they have low confidence. They have celebrated a lot in the dressing room. Sometimes people are not fair with Piqué, Busquets, Alba or Frenkie. A lot of people criticize their game. They have played a great game. It is not easy to play with this shirt, it weighs 20 kilos more than anywhere else.”
Jordi Alba, veteran left-back, also gave his point of view:
On the match
“We need to generate more chances, have more patience, move the ball from one side to the other. We are quality players and we can do much more, but the attitude has been magnificent after the loss in Bilbao. We have to close the games earlier. We have to face February with enthusiasm, because it will difficult.”
Regarding the past few results
“In the match against Athletic we were not well. The day of Madrid we lost. The feeling was good but losing a Clásico is never easy. When you don’t win, it affects you, but this victory will give us confidence and bring us closer to our goals.”
On the criticism he has received
“I feel pointed out for the past couple of years, but I accept all criticism. It is part of this circus and I know that when there’s a bad game, you will be called out. I had a hard time when we were eliminated. The critics are there and I have always assumed it. If I play well they don’t talk about me. If I give two assists they won’t talk about me. And, if I don’t play well they will kill me.”
Barcelona’s hero, Frenkie de Jong, expressed his thoughts:
Regarding the result
“It was an important victory because we are in a difficult phase. We have to improve. The field was icy today and it was very difficult to play here.”
On his personal performance
“I feel very good. Now because I scored a goal, people will say I play well. I think a lot of people are not watching the games. I can improve a lot, but it’s not a disaster either. It’s normal, I can improve a lot.”
On what they have to do to improve
“We have to be better on the ball, especially in the oppositions side. That is how you create spaces. We get ahead of ourselves.”
This is what Marc-André ter Stegen told the press:
On the game
“They compete a lot, they know how to defend, but we scored one and we’re up there. We hope we can rest and gather strength. Every team in the world needs peace of mind. Now we have to be more united than ever. We want to give our best to get good results.”
Regarding his season so far
“There are moments that are really difficult. We all go through them, and it has affected me as well. We’re a team. I always want to give my best, I think I’ve started 2022 very well and I’m happy with how things are turning out for me.”
