Xavi talks Roque, Pedri, De Jong, Raul Martinez ahead of Barcelona vs Valencia | OneFootball

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After having lost to Real Madrid in their last league match, a defeat that practically takes them out of the race to defend their league title this season, FC Barcelona will be returning to action this Monday as they face another difficult opponent, Valencia.

In addition to their elimination from the UEFA Champions League and the defeat to Real Madrid, another monumental event that took place at the club was the decision regarding the head coach for the next season. Barcelona decided to continue working with Xavi Hernandez, and the former midfielder also went back on his earlier word to remain the team’s coach.

Xavi has undertaken his customary presser before the game against Valencia, and this was the first time that Xavi addressed a press conference after having appeared along with Joan Laporta when the decision about his future was taken.

Thus, expectedly, this press conference was filled with questions related to his future, the status of the team, and expectations for the next season.

The main highlights from this presser are as follows:

Xavi began the presser with some comments on the state of his team and previewed the match against Valencia:

“Things are going well, we’re aiming for the second spot. Getting into the Champions League is very likely. We need to secure the second position to qualify for the Supercopa. Valencia under Baraja is a strong opponent, Baraja is doing a great job.”

The Barcelona trainer was sure that the decision regarding his future will not impact the team much:

“We are all united, nothing will change, decisions are made in agreement with Deco, with the president. We are waiting for the 1/1 rule, but there is still time in the season.”

The former midfielder was grateful for the confidence shown by Laporta and Deco in him:

“The confidence given by Deco and Laporta, they are very optimistic. Last season, not being able to carry out what we had planned, conditioned us a lot.”

Roque’s possible loan has been the subject of several news reports coming from the club in recent days, but Xavi assured that: “We haven’t decided anything yet.”

Xavi also justified the possible inclusion of Raul Martinez to his coaching team but stated that nothing conclusive has been decided yet:

“Raúl Martínez has been working externally for two years. At the moment, nothing has been decided. The planning will be carried out at the end of the season.”

“Raúl Martínez has been working since the first day I arrived as a coach. We haven’t made any changes in the physical, technical, or any other area. When there are changes, we will announce them.”

The Barcelona head coach did not want to think too ahead on the difficult schedule that awaits his team:

“The most important thing is Valencia, then comes Girona, a very strong and direct rival. Also, Atlético.”

Even though the team is going to end the season trophyless, Xavi shared that everyone was still eager to win:

“We’ve trained very well, I’ve seen the team very focused. People are eager to win. And I’m excited, thrilled, and full of energy.”

Pedri has been struggling with his fitness, but the Barcelona trainer assured the reporters that he will be available for the upcoming match: “He’ll be on the list, 100% available to help the team.”

Xavi made it clear that the team was not relaxed, and was committed to fighting for the second place:

“It’s the opposite: because we didn’t do our homework, we have to give an extra effort. Now we want to be second, which entitles us to a title next year.”

Barcelona’s pre-season plans can be disturbed this summer by the scheduling of the UEFA EURO 2024, but Xavi was adamant that he will be able to prepare for the season well despite the player’s international commitments:

“We will have them no later than the end of July and early August. It’s going to be an intense summer, but we’ll be able to prepare for it.”

The men’s first team coach was full of praise for the women’s team as it advanced to the final of the Champions League after beating Chelsea in a very difficult match:

“Yes, I followed the semifinal. It’s another Champions League final for them. They’re the best team in the world. We’re very proud, and from here, I want to congratulate them and wish them luck in winning the final.”

Xavi also made some comments on Roque’s adaptation process at Barcelona:

“At the end of the season, we will decide what’s best for each player. It’s not easy to come from Brazil at such a young age and have to decide matches. He needs time, adaptation, but he needs time. I will decide at the end of the season.”

When asked about the untouchable players in the squad, Xavi did not give a clear cut answer:

“We haven’t talked yet. We need to know where we stand with Financial Fair Play, hopefully with the 1:1 rule, but before all that, we need to finish the season well.”

Sergi Roberto is one of the players whose current contract is expiring this summer but who has not renewed yet. Xavi gave an update on this contract renewal:

“I want him to renew, and now it depends on him. He knows my position. He can help us a lot. Hopefully, he will renew.”

The Barcelona trainer shared his goals for the rest of the season now:

“Lots of eagerness, energy, and enthusiasm, to finish with good feelings and to finish second. I’ve already said it.”

The Barcelona head coach once again made it clear that it was performance that counted and not age when giving players from the academy time on the pitch:

“The performance, the merit of seeing them compete, is what counts. I don’t care if they’re 35 or 16 years old. Regardless of whether they are from the academy or from outside.”

Xavi could not give any assurances that his team will be able to win the remaining matches:

“I can’t control the environment. I control the staff, we are focused on Valencia, and you are asking me little. Baraja deserves a lot of credit for what he’s doing with young players.”

Lastly, Frenkie de Jong has been linked with a move away from the club frequently in the last few months, but Xavi assured that he remains a very important player for him: