Xavi talks Balde, Ter Stegen, Joao Felix, Pedri, Araujo, Lewandowski, Griezmann ahead of Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Barcelona will face a huge test on Sunday night as they get set to take on Atletico Madrid at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

With the two teams tied on points and trailing leaders Real Madrid, Xavi Hernandez & co. will be eager to get a victory and cut down the gap to the top.

The Catalan giants head into the game on the back of a hard-fought 2-1 win over FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League and will be aiming to carry forward that momentum tomorrow night.

On the eve of the game, Barcelona manager Xavi addressed the media in his pre-match press conference, discussing a plethora of subjects.

Xavi arrived a little late for his presser as Barça president Joan Laporta visited the dressing room to talk to the players ahead of the high-profile encounter.

Discussing the president’s visit, the manager said: “He has encouraged us. He shows confidence in the project. He is always positive, in a good mood.”

The Barcelona boss then expressed his admiration for Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, saying: “From Atletico I would highlight the coach. For what he has done, what he has achieved because of his style.

“He has changed the history of the club in the last 15 years. He has adapted to the players. He presses you high, a solid team. This is the greatness of Cholo, that everyone is committed.”

Xavi then went on to provide an update on the condition of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who is dealing with a lower back issue.

“He has been tested but he has a problem. He is not fit, he is ruled out for tomorrow,” the manager confirmed.

There has been a lot of debate about who Xavi will pick at left-back – whether he recalls Alejandro Balde or sticks with Joao Cancelo, who impressed against Porto.

Discussing Balde’s situation, the manager said: “He had a good game against Rayo. He will be important, regardless of if Cancelo plays.”

On what Cancelo offers at left-back, he added: “It’s an alternative to play on the left. It’s positive for the coach and the team. And it’s a very good variant. He has a good one-on-one shot.”

Cancelo could continue at left-back vs Atletico. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

There has been a lot of talk surrounding Joao Felix building up to the game, given that he is on loan at Barcelona from Atletico Madrid. And Xavi insisted that it serves as an added motivation for the forward, saying:

“It encourages him, it motivates him, it’s an extra motivation playing against Atleti. He is happy, he brings us a lot. I’m happy with his adaptation.”

On some of the comments made by Simeone against Felix in the past, Xavi remarked: “Of course, what he said is a bad thing for Joao, but it doesn’t concern me. The one we’ve seen here, he’s dynamic, he’s a hard worker, people love him. I have no complaints”

Antoine Griezmann finds himself in a similar situation to that of Joao Felix, but in the opposite sense, having moved to Atletico Madrid and thriving after his poor stint at Barcelona.

When asked why things did not work out for the Frenchman at the club, Xavi stated: “I don’t know why he didn’t succeed, I wasn’t his teammate. He seems like a capable footballer to me, who is making a lot of difference at Atlético. He is exceptional and works hard for the team.”

The manager also opened up on Alvaro Morata, who he had tried to sign for Barcelona soon after taking over the reins, and said: “I spoke to him, he could have played for Barça. With Griezmann they are two world-class strikers.”

On the team’s recent form and the dip in the level of performances, Xavi said: “The team’s play has dropped off and that’s why the results haven’t come. We have to be more consistent in our play. And more effective on the pitch.

“We can’t say that we are in the best moment. We have played good minutes, but we have to improve and then the good results will come.”

The Barcelona manager also had good things to say about midfielder Pedri, who is starting to recover his form after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“He played a good game, gave tempo and criteria. He was the one who ran the most, he worked a lot on pressing. He helps us a lot with and without the ball. He came back well and I’m happy,” Xavi said.

Earlier today, Ronald Araujo stated that he does not enjoy playing at right-back and prefers to play as a central defender. On using the Uruguayan out wide, Xavi said:

“The problem lies with the coaches. Some of them are still central defenders. They play where the coach tells them to. They adapt to the group and the wing position.”

On the potential arrival of Vitor Roque in the January transfer window, Xavi remarked: “I believe in the squad. I’m talking every day. That he can come will be important and interesting. It’s still early days. I hope he comes.”

On whether tomorrow’s game is worth more than three points, the Barcelona manager replied: “If we don’t win, it would mean fewer points, but the league is long. If we win, there is time. We have to be positive and think we can win.”

Xavi backs Lewandowski to come good. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Robert Lewandowski has been well below his best this season and endured a poor game against Porto. But, Xavi praised the veteran striker, saying:

“He’s a machine, he doesn’t stop working, he tries to get better every day. He’s a robot, he trains, trains, trains…. He will score goals.

“He is our best striker, he will make a difference. What we do have to do is to give him chances. I’m not worried, he scored two goals two games ago.”

When asked if there is more pressure and responsibility on the shoulders of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong for Barcelona to play well, he replied:

“We have a collective football. It’s not just them. It doesn’t depend on one or three. You give Cancelo the credit for the goal, but I give credit to Koundé, who didn’t play the ball back. They all have to dare.”

Talking about Oriol Romeu’s situation, following his drop in form and reduction in stature within the team, Xavi backed the veteran to come good, saying:

“He’s a guy who’s a veteran, at big clubs, who withstands pressure well. He’s going to be important for the group. He’s going to help us for sure.”

On whether he feels like his job might be on the line, Xavi replied: “I didn’t have the feeling that the job was at stake. I have total confidence in the president and Deco. I have a good relationship. I have faith in this project. I think we can have a good season.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo