Xavi: “Pedri is superlative, a player in capital letters”

Barcelona coach, Xavi Hernández, spoke this Sunday in the press room after Barça’s victory against Valencia (1-4). These were his impressions.

Satisfied at last with a full team match?

The spaces have to be attacked and we are understanding it better. The first part has been excellent. The second, not so much. We’ve suffered. In general, I am happy. Pedri and Nico have given us peace of mind but in general we got a good victory.

What future do you predict for Pedri?

I already said in Vitoria that he is a superlative player. It’s fantastic how he handles space-time. He may be the best player at his position. And above mark. It’s wonderful to have him on the team. And it is transcendent. He is superlative. A player in capital letters.

How do you explain the irregularity of the team? Especially in front of goal.

Well, in trust, faith. It also depends on the players to be successful or not. There is no magic potion. The player has to try, have confidence. Today the result proves us right. I think that on the day of Napoli we played better.

Is the line ascending?

We have to keep going. We are not in a good situation. We are still in the Champions League but we have emergencies. We still have to be more consistent. And you have to know how to defend with the ball, not just without the ball. We still need that.

Does this victory give you confidence for Napoli?

Always. Winning in a field like Valencia, which has put a lot of pressure in the second half, gives us a lot of morale.

What did you think of the performance of the players who were touched?

Araújo’s is spectacular. He was in pain and I told him we needed him. I have personally spoken with him, and the truth is that he is emotional. The schedule is tight and players have to be rotated. Eric also had discomfort and endured until the break

Was Pedri’s strike expected at 1-4?

We demand it because he has a shot, he hits free kicks well. And it has to be seen. The capacity that it has, not everyone has. There are very few like him. He is superlative.