By Miguel Rapetti
Jan 31, 2024, 18:46 PM EST
The FC Barcelona strategist, Spanish LaLiga and the UEFA Champions League.
Xavi Hernández, who after the defeat against Villarreal last day announced his resignation from the team as of June 30, seemed calmer at the press conference for achieving victory thanks to a solitary goal from his most recent signing, the young Vitor Roque, entering from the bench.
However, the Catalan idol took the space before the media to ensure that he always believed that the fans would support him and that therefore he ratified the message of unity that the fans must have to succeed this season.
“I had no doubt that the players would respond and neither would the fans. He knew they were going to encourage us. The team needs the unity of Barcelona fans to fight for the League and the Champions League,” said the Catalan coach in the press conference after the match.
Later he had words precisely for the star of the match, Vitor Roque, who with a header from Joao Cancelo’s center, avoided a new debacle for the Blaugrana team.
“He is radiant, happy (Roque). She has had opportunities and, finally, she has entered. He is going to give us many things, it is very positive that we have him,” the former player celebrated.
He later recalled that Roque is coming back from a complex injury and that is why they are working with the coaching staff so that they can ensure that the player plays the 90 minutes without any type of injury.
“We have been cautious (with Vitor Roque) because he is coming off a long injury. A specific plan has been made for him to be in full condition to play the 90 minutes,” he added.
In addition, he also commented on the physical condition of the attacker Ferrán Torres, who was forced to leave the field of play just in the 7th minute due to physical problems.
“He is sad and it is a shame, because he was in good shape and mentally positive,” lamented Xavi Hernández.
Finally, the coach had words of congratulations and admiration for the youth player Pau Cubarsí, 17 years old, who started from the starting eleven and completed the match at the back of the defense along with Ronald Araujo.
“Pau is a great player. He gives us many things: ball delivery, aggressiveness and he defends well, he doesn’t lose any ball. He plays with a determination that makes him a blast to watch. In general, we have evolved in defense and attack. We have been more positional, but we need to jump passing lines to disrupt defensive lines,” he concluded.
With the victory, FC Barcelona placed fourth in the Spanish LaLiga, tied with Atlético de Madrid, adding 47 units as a result of 14 wins, five draws and three losses.
Keep reading:
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