Xavi: “Three weeks ago we were flying and now we’re not”

MADRID, 9 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –

The Barça coach, Xavi Hernández, confessed some concern because his team has to be clear that they cannot “lower the intensity”, as happened to them this Sunday in a long-suffering victory (1-0) over RC Celta, facing a a vital week, especially with the duel in the Champions League against Inter Milan.

“We have done very well in the first part, 40 very good minutes, then we have lowered the intensity, the rhythm and we have finished badly. We have to be more constant. Playing every three days generates some fatigue, but you have to do the 2- 0. They could have tied us perfectly, we have to improve for the next games, I’m not satisfied,” he said at a press conference.

The Barça coach insisted that they need to improve but, while this moment lasts, they also have to play games. “Two weeks ago we depended on Lewandowski, now it’s on Ter Stegen, that’s what Barça players are for. We depend on the team, if we don’t fit in, we’ve won seven games in a row, clean sheets, we have to see the positive,” he said.

“We have to improve a lot, and starting from the game it will give us better results. Until excellence arrives, we have to settle the matches, competing. Today we have known how to suffer and despite the second half we have won the match and it gives us the leadership. Without being fine you have to play the games. There are moments of the season when you fly, three weeks ago we were flying and now we don’t, you also have to play the games, “he added.

Xavi confessed that with a performance like the second half it would be “difficult to beat Inter”. “In the Champions League we can’t concede anything and today we were lucky not to concede. If we lower the intensity, the rival can submit you”, he pointed out. In addition, the Barca coach defended a Robert Lewandowski who has lost prominence.

“He has been good in the game, he has offered himself, it is always a solution. It has cost us today, they have pushed us high. He has been uncomfortable in the second half like the whole team,” he concluded.