Xavi talks Messi, Ansu, Putellas, Dembele, Cavani ahead of Real Betis clash | OneFootball

There are four teams in La Liga who have not registered a single win away from home yet. Fortunately, after their victory against Villarreal as the Estadio de la Ceramica, Barcelona are not among the quartet.

And while there is a long way to go, Xavi and co. can still be happy about their form at the Camp Nou. Barça have played eight games at home, winning five, and losing just one. Tomorrow, they will get ready to host Real Betis — a team with the fifth-best away record in the league.

Xavi sat for the traditional pre-game press conference ahead of the game, covering a lot of important topics, including the Ballon d’Or, the club’s transfer targets, and the players who are likely to start tomorrow.

On the Betis game: “Each match will be a vital match due to the urgencies we have. Tomorrow is a final for us and I don’t think beyond that.”

On Ansu Fati’s recovery: “Ansu is making an extraordinary effort. He wants to be there but we must be cautious. The important thing is that he is 100% and it will be then when he plays because we cannot take risks. It is not easy for him to be in Munich on Wednesday.”

On Sergino Dest’s recovery and place in the team: “Dest is one more player, who has shown his commitment and enthusiasm despite the lower back pain and that’s to be appreciated. Now he’s in good shape and he’s ready.”

On January signings: “The club is working to strengthen the team in January. It is clear that if someone comes it is because someone will have to leave, that is the reality.”

On Lionel Messi and Alexia Putellas winning the Ballon d’Or: “Messi’s Ballon d’Or? First, congratulate Alexia Putellas. As a young lady, she already had a tremendous capacity, I’m very happy for her. Also congratulate Pedri, who invited the whole team for dinner. Messi’s Ballon d’Or is justice. Football is fair by rewarding him.”

On the Edinson Cavani rumours: “Cavani is a good footballer, but I prefer to talk about the ones we have here.”

On Sergi Roberto and his renewal: “Roberto? Sergi is an example. He has been playing whilst suffering for almost a year. Some have been very unfair to him, he was whistled at the Camp Nou. Last year he was never 100%. I have recommended to him to undergo surgery. He’s exemplary.”

On Ousmane Dembele’s renewal: “I have presented the sports project to him and I have told him that he will be the protagonist. He is happy with the sports project and he will feel loved, but the decision is his. On the economic issue I no longer enter. He will decide.”

On whether Dembele will play or be frozen out: “Dembele is fine, 100% physically and ready to play. Even if he doesn’t renew, he has to play. I do not contemplate leaving him in the stands.”

On women’s football: “Women’s football has grown a lot in recent years. It has improved in all aspects and I have all the respect and admiration. I have seen many women’s football matches and I see a lot of talent.”

On coaching a women’s team someday: “I have never thought about training women’s football… But I don’t rule it out.”

On Betis’ marquee player: “I really like (Andres) Guardado, we wanted to sign him for Al Sadd. He is a very important footballer for Betis, the team’s metronome.”

On Frenkie de Jong and the rumours of his sale: “Frenkie de Jong is non-transferable. He was excellent against Villarreal.”

On the team’s training: “This week we’ve worked on many things: the defensive line, the ball output… You have to understand that in football there is always an opponent. Villarreal made things difficult for us, but we have to improve in all phases of the game.”

Source: BarçaTV+