“The draw was not favorable but the Cup is one of the illusions”
BARCELONA, 19 Ene. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The coach of FC Barcelona, Xavi Hernández, assured that Athletic Club “will demand a lot” of them in San Mamés in the round of 16 match of the Copa del Rey this Thursday, as the ‘lions’ also have one of the ” best batches” of players in recent years.
“Athletic is a very intense rival with a coach who works very well with them. They have a very clear idea of the game, they are very aggressive, especially at home, and they will demand a lot of quality from us when they get the ball out,” he warned at a conference. press.
Xavi stressed that this Athletic continues to be dangerous on the counterattack. “They go against Williams, Sancet a lot… We are talking about one of the best batches of Athletic in recent years. They do things well, they are an example for us, and it will cost,” he said.
“The Cup is very attractive but the draw has not been favorable to us. But we want to go far in the competition and it is one of the illusions of the season”, acknowledged the Blaugrana coach.
In addition, he remembered that he is always optimistic. “And if we are recovering injured people and with the coronavirus, I am more positive. Things have to be improved, but above all in the result. We have to be more effective. The sensations are very good and I see daily improvement,” he argued.
Asked about his first visit as coach to San Mamés, he praised the club and its fans. “I have the best memories, sometimes I have left that field as if I were an Athletic player. They have treated me very well there, and I have admiration for Athletic. Delighted to return there, they have treated me very well and I have deep admiration for Athletic club,” he reiterated.
Regarding the physical condition of his players, he pointed out that Memphis Depay has minor discomfort, although he has several options for the number ‘9’ despite Luuk De Jong being suspended due to suspension. “I’m thinking of a ‘9’ who can give depth and reach the area. Ansu, Jutglà or even Ferran Torres can play. We’ll see tomorrow. The strikers must decide when making decisions. You can’t lose the ball easily and the rival creates a counter”, he said.
“Ferran Torres lacked the rhythm of competition and training, on the last day. This week has been very positive for him, he is one hundred percent from injury and tomorrow it has to be important”, he acknowledged about Torres, the reinforcement in this winter market, for the moment.
About Sergio Busquets, and the network campaign asking for his substitution, he assured that “there are many injustices”. “If there are no results, they also criticize me and all the players. For me, Sergio is essential, he is spectacular. It is clear that he made a mistake and he knows it, and for me he is unquestionable and a very important piece in the game, more for how we want to play. If the block is together, Busquets is the best in the world in his position,” he appealed.
He was also clear about the importance of renewing Uruguayan central defender Ronald Araujo. “He is a priority for me, you see. He is an extraordinary central defender, a necessary player for the present and the future. His behavior and attitude are appreciated, it adds up a lot. He must be renewed,” he asked.