In a league game that just ended, Barcelona defeated the visiting Rayo Vallecano 3-0, but the media was obviously more concerned about Xavi's future than the result of the game. He also revealed in the interview that he had a close relationship with Chairman Laporta There was a meeting.
The following is a quick interview after the game. How does
rate this victory?
has a positive effect. I think the team played very comfortably and the opponent had a dragnet at the back, but I think we felt good and the first goal helped us a lot. At Barcelona, if you are not first, you have to strive to be second, and we wanted to lock in second place and we did it.
Pedri said that he feels very good, but it is a bit difficult to get into the state. Can scoring goals give him confidence?
Scoring goals is the best way to gain confidence. He needs continuity and energy but we know he is a special player and scoring goals will be good for him.
Do you want to meet the chairman?
I stand by my original statement. The information I can convey to you is still the same. If I have any news to tell you, I will tell you, but the situation is still the same. I think if we don’t meet now, we will meet tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. The club has given me the confidence to win today. I have nothing more to say, the chairman congratulated me on my win, that's all. When he doesn't come to the games, he usually sends me messages and that's it.
How does the coach face these situations in Barcelona?
I don’t really like people booing coaches or presidents, I’m grateful to the fans because they always sing my name, I’m grateful and touched.
We heard chants of "Xavi stays, Laporta goes"
I don't like this, I don't like this situation, it's not a pleasant thing.
He is only 16 years old, but everyone knows that when he gets the ball, something different happens. We are talking about a very important player and we want to enjoy his talent, see him happy and take care of him...
The following is the content of the post-match conference.
Looking back on the two and a half years of coaching at Barcelona, how would you evaluate it?
I think we have improved our overall performance, even though people will say: "What are you talking about?" We have not played well enough this season, especially in key moments, which has prevented us from competing for the Champions League semi-finals, the Copa del Rey title, and Real Madrid Competing with Girona for the La Liga title... I think our positional play improved and we created more chances, but a lot of times we gave away the victory.
How does it feel after locking in the second place? Have you communicated with the chairman?
I don't know if we will meet later, usually we will. Real Madrid should be congratulated. They have scored a great score. They are one of the best clubs in the world. They have reached the Champions League final and are a super team. It is difficult to get this score.
But we are lacking. Our lowest goal is runner-up. Next year we will participate in the Western Super Cup and we are satisfied with it.
You have repeatedly emphasized that nothing has changed, but when rumors of leaving the team are flying everywhere, the chairman has not come out to say that you will be the coach next season. Don't you find it strange?
I guess we have to talk, but I am calm, I have spoken to Deco and Vice-President Just, I am calm because three weeks ago the club asked for stability and for me nothing has changed.
Do you think the chairman will not let you down? Chairman
has always been honest with me and I believe he will still be that way when we meet, that's all.
Will Barcelona supporters be divided between you and Laporta?
Honestly, I don't like this, I don't like people pointing the finger at someone in the club, because I want the Barcelona family to be well and I want people to be happy. I'm happy because people are chanting my name, but I don't like the singing against the president.
If you were an outsider, how would you view what has happened in the past five months?
When there's a message that needs explaining, I come here and open my heart.In January, I decided to leave for the benefit of the club; three weeks ago, I decided to stay because I saw the confidence in the club and the players. Nothing has changed for me, nothing has changed for me and the decision-makers at the club. We achieved our minimum goal, which was to finish second.
It is said that the senior management reassured you, but do you think you can work peacefully at Barcelona?
We all need to be united, we said that three weeks ago. Regarding plans, ambitions and expectations, nothing has changed on my end. I had no idea what was going to change, no one told me anything. There's always a lot of noise here, a lot of media coverage every day, which is often unpleasant, cruel, makes you feel small, and it's all about winning.
Would you feel it was unfair if this was your last game?
These are all assumptions, I can't answer them, nothing has changed.
Will you discuss signings and departures with players?
We are discussing lineup planning with Deco. We need to talk to the players and we will make a decision when the time comes.
