Xavi He spoke at a press conference prior to the match against Elche, in which Barça will try to add their third consecutive victory this season. The coach did not deny his meeting with Haaland in Munich and slipped that “I have not seen any player who says no to Barça when we explain the project to him.” He was also full of praise for his latest signing.
Wonders are spoken of Pablo Torre. What have they seen to bring it?
For me he is a natural talent who can play inside, in the band. He dominates both legs well, he has the last pass, he is good at set pieces and he has a goal. He is a natural talent, very young, 18 years old, and with the ability to play for years at Barça. He is a humble boy, from a family of soccer players. I think he is a great signing for the present and for the future. If he doesn’t play, he will have the profile of Abde and Jutglà. If he doesn’t play, he will be in the subsidiary.
Is it a plus that you take part in the signings because of what you did as a player?
Same yes. It’s still an advantage. But more than having been, it is to explain the project, trust, give affection and not deceive him. The point is to be honest and tell him what we want. There are so many circumstances that add up to the fact that the players want to come here…, it’s that I haven’t seen any player who says that he doesn’t want to come to Barça. Everyone is excited to come to Barça and we have to take advantage of that. Another thing is the clauses, the personal situations…
What does it mean for the club that Pablo Torre decides for Barça and not for Madrid?
That question is for the player, that we have a project based on talent. And for me it is a Barça profile. I am not here to deceive anyone, just to explain the reality.
What do you expect from tomorrow’s game?
Elche have improved a lot with Francisco, they haven’t lost to him at home. It is a physical team, which plays directly, with two clear points, Boyé, Carillo. And then they put a lot of balls from the band with Pere Milla, Josan, Fidel. It is a transcendent game for us.
Can you give us details of your trip to Munich?
I can’t give details. I can only say that we are working for the present and the future of the club. And when we can announce something, like the signing of Pablo Torre, we do it. I won’t say anything, just that we are working on the present and the future.
They also work to reinforce the defense. Christensen is advanced. Do you think that Piqué will not continue at the end of the season?
The feeling is that it is not time to talk about these things. I understand that the team has generated hope for the future but we have to talk about the present. This is not the time to talk about signings and the future, but about the present. And Piqué’s performance is being extraordinary. He has taken a tremendous step forward. He is good with the ball, he is the leader of the defense. His performance is being extraordinary, that’s how it is.
Without going into proper names, how do you take the role of participating in decisions?
We are a team, with the president in charge, Mateu, Jordi, the staff. We have made a good team and I feel comfortable. I can not ask for more. And this is a team. It does not unilaterally decide a person. Fantastic. I am a person to ask questions, team up, people give their opinion. But I am not alone. This is part of a team and that is very good for Barça.
Do you have the feeling that your rivals are weakening?
If we look at the last games, yes. But tomorrow there is another test. I know there is enthusiasm and expectations with the team. We have to keep working, there is no other. They don’t lose at home to Francisco and it will be a tough test.
Why do you flatter Pedri so much?
It came naturally to me and it’s the feeling I have when I see him play. Comparisons are hateful, I won’t do it anymore. But no matter how much criticism there is, he still reminds me of Iniesta. I have to tell the reality. I feel bad for what they criticize me for, but it reminds me of him. And Andrés is the greatest talent I have seen in Spanish football. Pedri is humble and he is not afraid. We accept criticism. No problem.
Would it be good news if Alves continued?
We have not spoken but, in terms of performance, there is no color. It is a spectacle to see him train. Danny is an example. Hopefully I have the performance, between now and the end of the season, to decide to continue. And I would like it, because what it prints on the computer is spectacular. I would like it to continue and at the moment it is giving us a lot. And next year he wouldn’t give much despite his age.
For LaLiga to have more value, is it necessary for Haaland and Mbappé to come?
The more world-class players, the better. It would improve the clubs they joined and they would improve LaLiga. they are players who attract footballers.
The other day three strikers scored. Are you clear about tomorrow’s trident?
We have five games in two weeks and managing fatigue will be important. Now there is a big window of possibilities, especially in attack. Me, delighted to be able to choose. It is an advantage for me and for the team.
How do you see Riqui, and what role will he play?
Riqui has fierce competition and it’s a shame. He makes me feel bad because he has players like Nico, Gavi, Pedri, Frenkie. He trains very well, he is an example. He is tracked individually but he has a competition.