Xavi talks Guardiola, Messi, Gavi, Umtiti, Garcia, Alba ahead of Getafe vs Barcelona | OneFootball

Coming off a five-game win streak that included the likes of Real Madrid (twice), Valencia, and Athletic Club, Barcelona are now winless in two consecutive games.

They faced an embarrassing defeat against Madrid at the Camp Nou, losing 0-4 that included a Karim Benzema hattrick. This was followed up by a toothless 0-0 draw at home against Girona.

Xavi and co. are still 13 points clear on top of La Liga, but will be hoping to get back to winning ways tomorrow as they travel to Madrid to take on Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

Ahead of the game, Xavi took to the press to talk about the events surrounding Barcelona recently.

On Getafe: “They are an aggressive team and they have won several points at home. It will be a complicated match, I expect a difficult opponent.”

On injured players: “Next week, most of the injured players will return. They could have returned now, but we preferred to rest them for an additional week.”

On Samuel Umtiti: “The time is not appropriate to talk about players who are not with us now, but he is adapting well in Italy and we are watching his level there. Now, he is on loan and we will decide later.”

On Eric Garcia’s position: “He has been a defender throughout his career. We think he can adapt to the pivot role because he plays well with the ball and is always positioned well, and wins duels, as we saw against Elche.”

On his contract extension: “I’m happy, I talk a lot with the president, Mateu and Jordi, and we have this confidence. Now, we have to focus on winning La Liga because we have to win it and then we will talk about renewing my contract.”

On Real Madrid’s focus in the league: “I don’t know what they will focus on. This is a question directed to Madrid. What I know is that we competed against strong oppositions, like Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.”

On Gavi: “I don’t think Gavi would be happy at a different club, he has everything here at 18 and is an important player for the team. I think his future is here at the club.”

On Pep Guardiola: “I think Pep is the best coach in the world, since he started. He is a special coach for me, extraordinary and always trying to change tings. For me, he is number 1. You always learn from him, I don’t want to compare him to me, his career is amazing and I’m just starting.”

On summer transfers: “We have not decided yet who will leave and who will come in the summer.”

On Busquets’ decision depending on Messi: “The most important thing for me is Busquets’ composure and that he helps us during the rest of the matches. I don’t think his decision depends on Messi’s arrival.”

On Pablo Torre’s future: “We have not decided anything yet, we focus on the goal, which is to win the league.”

On Fati and Ferran’s future: “We talked to the players and we have not planned anything yet. Football changes every day. You have to work and tomorrow get an important win in Getafe.”

On signing a right-back: “I’m happy with the performance of the players who have had to play there. Kounde, Araujo, Sergi Roberto, and even Balde. We’ll think about planning for next season later.”

On Lewandowski’s discomfort: “Lewandowski wants to help the team. He played several times with pain. He is a leader.”

On Jordi Alba: “Alba is a magnificent passer and we have to take advantage of his qualities. Balde also generates a lot. They have different profiles, we must take advantage of both.”

Source: BarçaTV+