MADRID, 3 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The coach of FC Barcelona, Xavi Hernández, was “satisfied” with the victory (1-2) at El Sadar against Osasuna, although he recognized that they must “demand more in the game” and “generate more” chances, with the aim of “total control” of the parties, something that is “difficult” in the fief ‘rojillo’.
“We must demand more of ourselves in the game. We dominated many times, but we have to generate. I would choose Villarreal’s second part, which is brilliant, excellent. We know the path, the idea, the players are clear about it. But it’s football, the opponent also plays, today they have made it very difficult for us”, analyzed the coach at a press conference on the victory (1-2) over Osasuna.
However, the man from Terrassa insisted that his team “is acquiring the football level” that he expects, “but it is not excellent.” “The goal is total dominance, but that is excellence. Today the team has struggled, they have done a spectacular job, and you can’t always play excellently, and it’s difficult here,” he explained.
“We had superiority inside, we dominated the game, but we have to generate more in the opposite field, they have been comfortable in defense, because we didn’t move. The first ten minutes we had clear chances, but we have to improve our effectiveness. With the 0-1 we have been good, with faster circulation. But sometimes it is difficult, because they are very good. I am satisfied with the three points, but we must improve, in the game as well”, he added.
Regarding the scorer of the second Barca goal, Robert Lewandoski, the coach defended that “he has made the difference”, playing “more positionally”. “He played a very good game, if he hadn’t scored, he would have played a good game. The other day he already gave us the victory, we can’t talk about him being in a bad shape. I’m happy, he’s Lewandowski, our goalscorer”, applauded.
Xavi also highlighted the “involvement and attitude” of Joao Cancelo and Joao Félix in their debut. “They have been very supportive, they have worked for the team and this is the base, which is non-negotiable for us. They can give us many options and variants, I’m sure they will be important,” he said, before pointing out about the former player that, although “he is comfortable going from the band towards goal, he can also play ‘9’”. “He is a versatile footballer who is going to help us a lot,” he praised.
“It has been a difficult game for Lamine Yamal, very intense and with few spaces, but I am very satisfied, his performance is being wonderful,” he added about the game of the young winger, starting again.
Finally, Xavi praised the refereeing body. “He has been ten, especially the fourth. He talked, he communicated the decisions to us. If he is calm, he also reassures the rest of us. Today the refereeing body has been very good, communicative”, he settled.