Barcelona hosts Real Sociedad in the 35th round of the Spanish League. This match is crucial for Barcelona, because if they win, they could return to second place in the table. Xavi also stressed this in the press conference before the match, and also that it would be a big step backwards for the team if they did not achieve this. They were also asked about the players who will be able to participate in the European Championship and the Olympics with the Spanish national team this summer. In this regard, Xavi responded briefly, saying that they would negotiate with the association.
How do they prepare for the confrontation?
“Once again we had a chance to move into second place. After the draw with Girona, our fate is in our own hands. Real Sociedad are playing at an amazing level. Imanol is doing a great job with the team, they are doing their job very well. We are facing a difficult opponent. I am sure it will not “It will be an easy match and they will make it difficult for us. Our guys want to show that we are a great team and that we are capable of winning after the defeat against Girona.”
Would it be a big setback if they didn't reach second place?
“Yes. This will be a decisive match. It would mean a lot to return to second place.”
Are they already talking about next season in the locker room?
“Now we have to be content with the current squad until the end of the tournament. We are two weeks away from the end of the season, everyone's goal is to finish second. I understand that everyone is talking about transferable and protected players, but at the moment everyone is in the team and we have to stay together to reach the position.” the second”.
Do you think Pedri should rest in the summer or play in the European Championship?
“It's not up to me. There's a coach who decides that. He's in good shape. He trained a lot this week, and he's in good shape 100%.”
What attitudes will you reinforce? Today is election day, what will you vote for? (In Catalonia, a referendum was held on 12 May 2024 on possible secession from Spain – ed.)
“I'm not going to cast my vote because we still have four games to play in. It's only the campaign period, there are still four meetings left.”
If the team doesn't reach second place, can we expect bigger changes?
“I don't think it will affect our plans. It is very important for us to finish the season in second place, but it does not affect our thoughts.”
Is there already a decision regarding Ansu Fati's future?
“Don't ask any more questions about next season. I won't mention names. At the end of the season, I will only talk about our players on loan.”
Is it convenient for Kobarsi to stretch like Yamal?
“Yes. Self-taught players who are already able to make a difference on the pitch. We hope to reach an agreement with Hector Forte and Guillou.”
Compared to last season, this year the team scored more than 30 goals. Have they analyzed why this happened?
“We know that we played several games without a classic defensive midfielder, and that left its mark on our season. When we used Oriol or Andreas, we performed better. It was the fault of our staff. Because of this, we controlled the midfield less. We need to regain balance. “
Is it also a priority to have two players in each position?
“Yes, that is one of the goals for next season. It is important that there is competition between the players as well.”
What do you think of Zobemendi?
“As I said before, I think he is a great player. But Sociedad has excellent players like Mikel Merino, Kubo and Press.”
What will you change this season?
“When the crew came together to figure out what needed to change, we could have reorganized the midfield differently.”
Do you understand if Lamin and Kubarsi competed in both the Olympic Games and the European Championships?
He added: “We will talk to the federation if they decide to do so and we will give our opinion about it.”
