“I want my players to be a block and that they enjoy”
BARCELONA, 22 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The FC Barcelona coach, Xavi Hernández, has stressed that he is “positive” and that he sees the current situation in an “optimistic” way and, therefore, he only thinks about winning this Tuesday at Benfica and achieving qualification for the second round of Champions League final, a challenge that he likes and for which he wants to continue dreaming.
“We talk if it happens (lose), I prefer not to think about the negative hypothesis, because I do not contemplate it. What I have experienced at Barça is winning and fighting for the titles, if I speak of the message in case of defeat I would be transmitting what I do not I think. For now let me dream and think about winning, “he said at a press conference.
For Xavi, who debuted with victory in the derby against Espanyol, the debut in ‘Champions’ comes with an “easy scenario”; “win one of the two games”. “I prefer to think about the victory hypothesis. If we do not win, we already talked about it. I prefer to think that we won the three points, in the joy … I visualize a victory and for that I prepare the team,” he stressed.
“It is an opportunity to win and to put the team in the round of 16. We are in a positive situation, I would say. I am positive and we have an opportunity. Why think about a negative scenario when you can think positively? It is an opportunity, well. we are going for it, “he reiterated, in this sense.
In addition, he recalled that the coach is a “fundamental piece” in the team to convey the idea and be the “spiritual leader” of the team. “I do not play, but I have to organize and convince them, the players have to be led and guided by someone. I want them to be happy on the field, to be a block and to enjoy themselves. Because if they enjoy, the result can come with more numbers, “he considered.
On a personal level, the man from Terrassa is “very happy” and “very happy”. “I am optimistic and I am proud to coach Barça and these fantastic players. We have a team to compete against anyone, but we have to prove it and this is the most difficult thing. Winning is very difficult but we are Barça and we have to aim for excellence. I’m doing fine for now, huh? “He joked.
“We have to compete tomorrow and I see it as an opportunity, not as an added pressure. It is a golden opportunity to go to the round of 16, in football there is a rematch and this is a rematch against Benfica and a revalidation to say that We are Barça and we are going for the game. We are Barça, this is a challenge and I love challenges, “he was sincere.
Of course, he foresees a difficult game against Benfica. “They have a great team, with experience, a physical team in front, the wingers can get you into your field and it will be difficult. We are talking about ‘Champions’ and the pace and intensity will be very strong. We are prepared to compete and to take advantage of this opportunity, if we win we are classified for the round of 16, “he added.
Despite this, he wants to demonstrate on the pitch that superiority that many give to Barça before starting any game. “Here I can say that we are better than Benfica, or the other way around, and tomorrow we will have another story. Barça is not there to show chest but we have to be optimistic and think positive. If we win we are in the second round and we have to think about this. , go for the game and be positive, be brave and go to the tackle and win the three points, but we lost 3-0 against Benfica. It will not be easy, “he recalled.
And it will not be able to count, for its European premiere, neither with Ilias (sanctioned) nor Abde nor Jutglà (not registered). “We will see how Dest is or how Ousmane or Sergi Roberto are, with discomfort but close to recovering. We have training, we will see feelings and we will decide. We will run out of pure ends, but we will go out with those who go on the attack and try to win the game,” he said .
He also wanted to congratulate Pedri, now injured, for winning the 2021 Golden Boy. “He has made a difference in Barça and the national team, he is an extraordinary player. He is an important award of great prestige and I am happy for him. He is having a hard time due to the injury. , which is not easy and has had a small compilation. We are going to try to recover it because it is key and differential and fundamental for us, “he argued.