Xavi Hernandez spoke into the microphones of Movistar LaLiga and then in the press room. These were the manifestations of him.
What has Barça done to have the game so controlled, even without Alves?
I am happy, satisfied with Barcelona fans. I think it can change the dynamics of the present and the future. We have looked for the back of Modric and Kross. Alaba jumped against Frenkie and then Dembélé was one on one. I have asked the players not to lose silly balls and we have reinforced that with Araújo Contento because we have been better than Madrid in their stadium. We have been able to play them. We have known how to attack the man who jumped us under pressure. We have played a spectacular game. They have attacked us after 0-4. I’m a Barça coach and I’m a culé. The Catalans have to enjoy this because it is not easy to achieve victories of this type.
What symbolism does this victory have, beyond how it was won?
Maybe yes. I leave that to you, but this is the way and the game model. We have players who are understanding it well and are enjoying it. We already competed well in the Super Cup and we already said that we could have won. I already said that we could compete against Madrid. I am proud but we have to continue. We have not done anything. It is a Clasico and strengthens the project but we have to keep adding. We are a family and that is important. Beyond going against anyone, we have convinced ourselves that we have to play this way.
Has it been an exhibition, a bathroom? It is a historic night, how do you rate it?
You better rate it. I’m happy and we have to enjoy this because I’m a culé. This is the path, this is the project and this is where we have to go. Madrid was the leader, with a spectacular run, and we have shown that we can compete. You can best describe it.
What does it mean as a coach and culé?
I think we are the best club in the world. We will celebrate it, without a doubt. This costs a lot. Win at the Bernabéu 0-4… There were players criticized, judged. And they have been brave. I am a rookie and winning 0-4 strengthens me a lot. This reinforces an idea of the game and Barça has to compete by winning this way.
Have you already got your doctorate?
I don’t need glory. The glory is for the Barcelona fans. This is not a personal victory but of Barcelona. I don’t want personal glory but for the players. I am here for that.
He has even squeezed the players after the 0-4
Today we were 0-4 but we have to run, help the side, jump under pressure. Today we were 0-4, but another day we will be 0-1 and we can lose. Losing balls has to piss us off, and it bothers me. If there is no demand, there are no results.
Emotionally what can this mean?
They assume three points. I think we changed the dynamic, this losing inertia that we had. We have shown that we can compete but we are there. The first objective is the Champions League and we are not ruling anything out but it is a blow for Barça.
Has this situation reminded you of 2004?
It reminds me a bit of 2004 1-2 but there is work to be done. This is not a title. We have to work in solidarity. There’s still a lot. Nor have the objectives of the season been covered. We have to follow.