“We have to equalize this first round, we are on the right track”
MADRID, 1 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The FC Barcelona coach, Xavi Hernández, was “satisfied” with his team’s victory this Wednesday against Real Betis at the Benito Villamarín stadium, at the same time he highlighted the figure of Pedri and Gavi in midfield to complete ” one of the best games of the season”.
“We are leaders. We are solid in defense. We are working well. The work pays off. The footballers compete. I think they played one of the best games of the season today. I am very satisfied,” said the coach after the game.
The FC Barcelona coach preferred to be cautious, although he recognized the good moment that the Blaugrana team is currently experiencing. “I don’t like the notes in the middle of the season. The tortilla can be turned around. We have to equalize this first round. We are on the right track. But there are 19 more games left. The numbers are extraordinary,” he said.
Regarding proper names, the Catalan coach highlighted the figure of Pedri, although he did not want to compare him with Andrés Iniesta. “If we compare the race, Iniesta still wins by a landslide, but Pedri can still be very good. I have seen very few players like him, but Andrés is the greatest talent I have seen in Spanish football, although Pedri is similar to him. He has done a great party and it must do more things, but it is to a very high level”, expressed.
In this sense, he also praised the good performance of Gavi, who left Benito Villamarín whistled after being substituted. “We’re in the opposite field, it happens a lot that they whistle at you. It doesn’t matter. It’s important that the midfielders are close to the box, they have to connect with Robert. I’m happy that he’s wearing number six, the same as when Ricky or Alves wore it. Gavi is an extraordinary boy, I think he will wear it for many years if everything goes well”, he pointed out.
Finally, Xavi highlighted the fundamental role of Balde in the team. “Luckily we have three spectacular full-backs: Jordi, Marcos and Balde. All three have done great when they have played. Balde is such a young footballer with such capacity, which gives us a tremendous guarantee”, he concluded.