FC Barcelona’s season has come to an end after a 2-0 loss against Villarreal at the Camp Nou. After the final whistle, Xavi Hernández, Dani Alves and Ronald Araujo all gave their points of view on the match and season.
One of the most turbulent seasons in Barça’s recent history has finally ended. A trophy-less campaign, yet the Summer is a beacon of hope for all the Culés. Finally, a stable President is at the helm and an exciting sporting project allows us to dream of a brighter future.
Here is what Barça’s manager, Xavi Hernández, had to say:
On the match
“Today we are frustrated but our overall review cannot be negative. We have saved a season that could have been disastrous.”
Regarding the ending of the season
“The competition is over and the office work begins, which right now is more important than football. We have to strengthen ourselves.”
On their Summer objectives
“We have to strengthen ourselves very well because if not, we will not be able to compete in any way. Many things have to be changed. We must demand more, of me, of the players. This is Barça and we can’t spend another year trophy-less.”
Regarding Dembélé and his renewal
“Everyone is where they want. I can only speak highly of Ousmane. He has helped us and made a difference. He will seek his own happiness. I will wish him the best because he has been a professional.”
On Neymar’s possible return to Barcelona
“We have to take analyze what we can do and prioritize positions. I don’t dislike it (the idea of Neymar’s return), of course not, but we haven’t talked about the option of Neymar returning.”
Veteran defender, Dani Alves, also expressed his opinions after the final whistle:
Regarding the match
“People came to support us and we couldn’t give them an answer. It is what it is, we have to close the season thinking that the best is yet to come. Today only prestige was at stake. We have to reflect and think about returning with another spirit and another mentality, this club is made to be at the top.”
On next season
“I don’t know if this was my last game with Barça, I only live in the present. I think I can still contribute things. If it depended on me, it would already be done. I have aspirations.”
“The feeling is that it has been an unstable season. There were very good moments and others not so good. To achieve things, you have to be stable and a more balanced team.”
Regarding his role these past few months
“I have always given it all with my spirit of competition, I always do my part. This is how I live and how I feel, I am happy with my dedication and with what I put in. Hopefully I can be here next year, and if not, I am 1000% grateful with everyone.”
Finally, Barça’s young center-back Ronald Araujo also spoke with the press:
On the match
“We wanted to finish well and bring joy to the fans, because they have always supported us until the end.”
Regarding his season
“You always have to look on the bright side. The bad must be used to learn and continue to grow. I like to remember our great matches like the one at the Bernabéu or in Naples. Individually, I highlight my contract renewal. What comes next is going to be incredible.”
On next season
“I say to the fans that we are going to have a great season. We are going to have more time to work with the manager. We reversed a complicated situation, although we did not have the best results in the end.”
