Xavi Hernández gave a first analysis of Barça’s draw against Benfica, in the flash interview of Movistar Liga de Campeones, in his debut as a Barça coach in the Champions League.
How did you see the game?
We have been far superior to Benfica. If we had scored a goal we would have known a great game. But we have to go to Munich to win. I think we played very well. It is the Barça we want, the idea is being taken over. We played a great game. We have to be more effective. Enviable attitude, spectacular fans.
What can Dembélé give you?
The game has changed a bit. Having players that overflow in the band is more scary to the rival. He has generated chances and is a player to make a difference. We deserved to win but football has these things.
Are they able to win in Munich?
We are Barça and we depend on us. We will leave with attitude, solidarity, responsibility in defense. On the subject of values and attitude, I am satisfied. We missed the goal.
“The normal thing would have been to win, we had a great game”
Afterwards, Xavi Hernández addressed the rest of the media and assured that they had “deserved to win” the Champions League match on Tuesday against Benfica, which has been “submitted” to the “game” of the Catalans and “looking for 0-0”, and believes that they can go to Munich, where they will play the pass to the second round against Bayern Munich on the last day, “to win.”
“In general, I’m just unhappy with the result. We can’t blame anything on the game, the spirit, the sacrifice … We have played a game to win. The normal thing would have been to win; we have created many occasions and situations to find Nico or Gavi, a central defender had to lead and give that superiority, which is not easy. Then we need the last pass; there are situations in which it seems that there is a pass and we continue driving and collide with centrals, when there is a pass we have to let go “, declared at a press conference.
Therefore, he considers the tie “insufficient”. “We wanted three points. I’m not angry because I can’t blame them for anything. We lose one chance but we have another. We have to go to Munich to win and show that you can win like this. In general, I am very happy with the image of the team “, he claimed.
In this sense, remember that for the duel against Bayern they will take “two more weeks” to acclimatise. “Today we played a great game. In intensity, in solidarity and in defense we have generated opportunities. Benfica has been subjected to our game. It’s a shame not to have scored that goal that would have made a difference. We have deserved it, we have left our skin, the players are melted. In football terms, you have to take advantage of the chances. It is a pity, the goal has been missed, the rest I think has been good, “he said.
“It gives me the feeling that we deserved to win. I see very good, very positive things. The attitude of the team gives me the feeling that we can beat anyone. We are Barça, we have talent and players to make a difference, but sometimes things don’t work out. We played a great game, but it wasn’t enough, “he continued.
Even so, the culé coach is convinced that they can win at the Allianz Arena. “We have to go to win, we only have one bullet left and that is that. We will go to Munich with our personality. We still depend on ourselves, which is the most favorable point,” he said. “What gives me the most optimism is to see the team playing this way. I think we can compete with anyone. Looking at what I’ve seen today, I think we can go to Munich and think about winning. Playing in this way we will have chances of winning, “he said.
In addition, he assured that the lack of goal is due exclusively to “effectiveness.” “Putting in the first one we have, changes the game. They already have to open up, leave more spaces. They were looking for 0-0, that we did not feel comfortable, that the minutes passed, wasted time … We already knew. Not putting it in generates that, for us more anxiety and for them, more security. It will have to be trained; there will be another day when he will train three or four. It is a matter of time, I imagine, “he said.
“These moments in which we have occasions we do not have to think too much, and I do not say it for Memphis, but for everyone. Sometimes it’s kicking, you have to try more things. We have Nico and Gavi in the square, there is already a pass; Memphis makes some spectacular movements, but you have to see him at the right time, work on that, “he said.
Finally, he praised the commitment of Ousmane Dembélé, which he hopes will soon be renewed. “I have spoken with him, I am not going to say what I have spoken. He is very happy here. Today he took a risk and he has to be grateful, he was not 100%. His attitude is spectacular, commendable, because another player profile would have said ‘I settle in and I don’t play’, “he said.
“The sacrifice he has made for the team, with the risk of relapse, is surprising. It looks like one person and is another. You have to talk to the footballer and make him feel comfortable and happy. We are going to be positive and see if it can renew, because for me it is a fundamental piece. When he is in the field, things happen, and if he is happy, much more. It can make a difference, “he stressed.