MADRID, 14 May. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The FC Barcelona coach, Xavi Hernández, has assured that he understands the anger of the Polish Robert Lewandowski after being replaced in the 76th minute by Ferran Torres in the victory against Real Sociedad (2-0), but has explained that he made the substitution “for the good of the team”, in addition to emphasizing that “the positive thing” about this Monday is that they once again “depend” on themselves to retain second place.
“I understand the footballer, I also got angry when they took me off the field, but the coaches think of the group, of the team. At that moment I thought that we lacked a little more intensity in the high pressure and that is why I took off to Ferran, Fermín and Sergi. I have also changed teammates before precisely because we lacked that important physical tone to put pressure on Real Sociedad well. It is a tactical issue and for the good of the team, I do not do it at all on a personal level. I will never do it, simply thinking about the good of the group,” he declared at a press conference.
On the other hand, he was satisfied that the team has recovered second position and, above all, depends on itself. “The positive thing about today is that the game was good and we depend on ourselves to finish second, that for the club and for us, confidence and finishing the season well is really important,” he said.
“Today it was time to react after the defeat in Girona, which was painful because of how it was. Today the team shows character, shows ambition, shows the desire to recover this second place for the moment and to finish second. It is the main objective, it is very important both financially enough to play for one more title next season. I am happy with the reaction of the group and the team in general,” he continued.
Regarding his team’s performance, he acknowledged that he liked “many things.” “We have been very aggressive in the high press, we have been good; the rivals now play very directly to us and we have adjusted this very well. In defense we have been quite good, although we have suffered with some balls from Becker, but I think that defensively We have been good,” he analyzed.
“In attack we have been quite good in getting the ball out. In general terms, we have played a good game. Imanol’s line of five has surprised us, we did not expect it, but we have created many chances. I am satisfied beyond the result , which was vital today, because the team has competed very well against a ‘Champions’ rival,” he continued.
He also praised Lamine Yamal, scorer of the first goal. “At a tactical level, he doesn’t do everything perfect, obviously, far from it, he doesn’t have to do it perfect at 16 years old. At a talent level, he is practically a chosen one, because the fact that he is differential at 16 years old already tells you the type player that he is and that he can be. The growth is brutal, in one year he is stronger, he is faster. We are facing a very differential player, for the present and for the future, I am very happy with him,” he noted.
In another vein, he stated that Vitor Roque’s future will be a decision they will make “at the end of the season and internally.” “I don’t have to say anything or respond to representatives, far from it. What I can say is that Vitor was a doubt until the last minute today on the list because yesterday he suffered a very bad blow to his ankle and has been called up. He was among cotton and that’s why it hasn’t even warmed up,” he indicated.
Regarding the Uruguayan Ronald Araujo, he revealed that he suffers “a little discomfort.” “We have preferred to reserve it, there are three games in seven days this week and we need players who are practically at 200%. On Thursday we will choose according to the players who are better. Ronald had a minor minor discomfort,” he stated.
Finally, he confessed that he is “very happy” with Rafinha. “I have said many times that we will decide at the end of the season, this is not the time to talk about who will continue and who will not. I am very happy with Rapha for the intensity, for the pace, for how he presses, how he helps the team… Today he played a great game. In addition to that, he makes differences, generates chances, shots from outside the area. He is a very dynamic footballer, I personally like him,” he concluded.