Xavi: “Luuk de Jong is an example and I say it in front of the squad”

Xavi Hernandez went through the microphones of Movistar LaLiga after the tie of Barcelona in the field of Espanyol.

sensations: “It was a game to win. When we were at our best, we were able to make it 0-2. In the end, when the score was 2-1, it seems like you won a point, but analyzing it well, I think it was to win. We dominated well and we had more chances. We lost two points. We’ve been on Espanyol’s pitch the whole game. They’ve come two or three times and they’ve been very effective. The other day we were and that pays off”.

Luke de Jong: “He is an example and I say it in front of the squad. He is a scorer and we have taken him out for this. He has had two and has scored one”.

defensive fragility. “We played a good game despite only getting one point. We conceded too much and the rivals are effective. The first goal came from the ball and the second they beat us back, but in football there are mistakes and we have to minimize them. There is a change in the game model. I would say that we were not effective in the moments of dominance. His goals came in our best phases. This match must be won, but it could have been lost. The point is insufficient. We have to be more effective “.

The tie. “It could have been a step backwards if we lose, it’s not so much with a point. Here the leader lost. It’s a good Espanyol, it’s difficult and it complicated us. We were as effective as Atlético’s day and they took advantage of our mistakes. Losing would have been very unfair”.

Nico’s role. “We changed the system and with the noise from the crowd you can’t hear it. I opted to go 3-4-3 at the end, but in the end we got a point. The innings from the bench came in handy and helped the team. remarkable, but we played a game enough to win.

Araujo and Pique. “The Araújo thing seems to be inconvenience. He was resisting and we changed him at half-time. Piqué’s loss will be important, it takes character, leadership and gives us a lot. We will compete with what we have. I have not seen Piqué because he was looking at the kickback.”

Dembele situation. “Dembélé is one more, he can help us, and today he has helped us. He has played good minutes. He is one more for the cause”.

Final leg of the match. “I think we changed with two wingers and two forwards, and it worked out for us. We have to be self-critical and improve, but we’re still in the Champions League zone”.

The tension of the derby. “I haven’t seen images, you always have to respect your opponent, the referee and the fans, but the tension and nerves can condition you. If something has happened, we apologize”.

win the league: “The League is very difficult and it’s a step backwards but we have to keep fighting”.