FC Barcelona dropped more points in LaLiga as their away game against Osasuna ended in a 2-2 draw after a late equalizer from Ávila. Xavi, Pique and Abde all spoke after the match.
Here’s what Xavi had to say:
On the match
“We have competed well, yes, but with the score at 1-2, we should have kept more possession of the ball and we have not succeeded. We needed calm, play in the opposition half, make positional attacks and have long possessions, but we did not manage to achieve it. We have a very big problem in that regard. The goal arrived on the second play, which we had worked on.”
“We need an urgent victory. There is no other option but to continue working. We wanted to change the dynamics, but we have not been able to.”
On the lineup and substitutions
“We made the changes because Abde and Dembélé were tired and we had put a line of four to stop their centers. We have shamelessly gone on the attack, with a 3-4-3. Later, when the attacks failed, we tried to cover the centers. But the goal was always to attack, have the ball to attack and defend with the ball. It is hard for us to defend. The problem we have had is not knowing how to play in the opposite field when we are ahead.”
On the contribution of the young players
“It is difficult to digest that the difference is made by young players. We are lucky with the contributions of the young players, they are supporting the team in these difficult moments. It is a big positive and at the same time a negative. Players of 17, 18 or 19 years old are making a difference. They are young players who will give a lot, but at the same time they will not always be at this level. We have to demand more from everyone.”
On Abde
“He is a differential player and he has shown it, not because of the goal but because of many other things.”
On Umtiti
“The centrals needed to win a lot of duels and Umtiti has been good, they have won duels. The problem has been the strategy play, in which we have not been attentive. Everyone deserves to play, the attitude is very good.”
On Eric’s absence
“It was a technical decision.”
Here’s what Gerard Pique had to say:
On the match
“It’s a shame. We played well and competed well on a very difficult field. We knew they were strong on strategy plays and set pieces. In the end they made it 2-2, a shame because we already saw victory very close. We leave with a point and not happy with the result.”
On the season
“It is evident that we were better at the beginning of the season. Now it is more complicated. But it is clear that with the premature elimination from the Champions League, we are starting a new era where the highest priority is to get three points in LaLiga so as not to fall from the top positions. Now we are in a difficult situation, but we can’t lower ourselves anymore.”
On what lies ahead in LaLiga
“I believe that the objective now has to be in the short term, to think about the next game. In the long term it has already been seen that there is talent and youth in this team. You have to get results, win, win and win. We are in a critical situation and it is urgent to start winning games. We have to work and be together.”
On if this team can do more
“Little by little we are going to do more. Today we have competed. It is clear that we can play much better, but what cannot be lacking is attitude and work. And today we have shown that nobody beats us at that. The results are a matter of time, but the problem is that we do not have it. Next Saturday we have a new final.”
Here’s what the goalscorer Abde had to say:
On the match and his goal
“I am happy for the goal, but sad for the result. I hope it will be the first goal of many, but I think we did not deserve the draw at the end. We have to keep working, put on the overalls and work.”
“We deserved to win, but we have to watch these details that we already knew, such as Osasuna’s strategy. We have a team that must win in experience because we have a lot of talent and youth.”
On scoring his first goal for the club
“You have to give your best and not miss out on these opportunities. The goal? I want to dedicate it to doctors, physios, to all those who are supporting us every day. And to my family.”
