February 23 News Barcelona coach Xavi attended the pre-match press conference with Manchester United
A very popular name in the past two days is Messi, and the club also confirmed that it had met with Messi’s father to discuss a possible tribute ceremony for Messi in the future.
Yes.
Have you talked to the chairman about this?
Have you talked to Messi?
I don’t want to lie, I’ve said many times that this is Messi’s home and the door is open to him, but that’s all I can say.
Messi is my friend, we have been in touch, and I have discussed many things with the chairman.
But you need to look at Messi’s own thoughts, his future plans, and whether he can fit in with the club’s future state.
But this is his home, I have no doubts about that.
So from a technical and tactical point of view, does Messi fit Barcelona’s thinking now?
Best player in the world, best player in history, always fit.
Both Gabi and Pedri will be absent tomorrow. How do you think we should deal with this problem?
Especially when two players are extremely important to the current Barcelona lineup:
Not only Pedri and Gabi, but also Dembele, this is our very important missing player, he is a player who can change the game, can create chances on the wing, for us Dembele’s absence is very important
Loss.
The same is true for Pedri and Gabi, Pedri is the barometer of our midfield, the organizer of the midfield, rarely concedes the ball, which is very important for us.
Gabby brings us the sheer passion and energy that we need tomorrow and their absence is crucial for us.
But this is the reality. For us, we need to find a replacement, including replacing Pedri who can organize in the midfield, replacing Gabi can bring vitality and game intensity, and at the same time be able to solve the 1v1 problem on the wing as much as possible.
For example, double forwards, or wingers full backs, we will decide tomorrow.
Tomorrow would you rather be able to qualify in regular time, or go to extra time or even a penalty shootout?
It’s all possible, it could be into overtime, or it could be a penalty shootout, or it could even be a loss.
Our thinking is not affected by these, and we still insist on attacking, insisting on actively controlling the game, daring to take and control the ball, and it would be better if we can enter the opponent’s half as much as possible.
But the most important thing is to show passion, drive and intensity in the game, which is what we need in the first leg.
Many fans believe that tomorrow is a good opportunity to change Barcelona’s failure to make a breakthrough against strong teams in the European war. What do you think?
We’ll see, but this is the Europa League, not the Champions League.
Of course, Manchester United were the toughest opponents we had in the draw, but Barcelona played really well in the first leg because United are one of the teams in the best form at the moment.
We’ll continue like this tomorrow and hopefully see what we can achieve.
But we cannot say “Barca is back”, “Barca will win”, this is not certain, we need to prove ourselves on the pitch.
Considering tomorrow’s game, opponents, and background, this is also Barcelona’s chance to prove itself:
Yes, every game is a new test for Barcelona, but tomorrow’s game is even more so. After all, this is Manchester United and this is the European war. For Barcelona, this is a good opportunity to prove themselves.
Barcelona is in good shape now, we continue to lead in the league, entered the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey and won the Super Cup.
But tomorrow’s game is a brand new opportunity, a new challenge, we need to maintain the same intensity of the game.
Pedri is absent, what role will Roberto play tomorrow?
Roberto can play in many positions. For me, he is a guarantee on the pitch. It is very safe for us to have such a player. He will go all out and complete the task at any time.
Can play midfield, wing, midfielder, full-back, inside forward, is a very key player for us.
Chairman Laporta and you have said before that the primary goal of this season is the league.
So if Barcelona can exit the game with dignity tomorrow, is it acceptable?
We will not give up any titles because this is Barcelona and we need to fight for all titles.
Of course, we could be out tomorrow, and that would mean a huge disappointment.
Although we are still far away from the final, we still need to fight for the championship.
If you can’t qualify, everyone will be very disappointed.
The league is important for us, but so is the Copa del Rey and the Europa League.
In the face of such a crucial game, how to control your emotions:
The current pressure belongs to me. I hope that the players will enjoy the game and that everyone will display their abilities and show their level.
Especially at Old Trafford, in a game like the European War, in this background, everyone wants to show themselves, I hope everyone stays calm.
According to recent rumors, the emir of Qatar is interested in buying Manchester United. You have worked and coached in Qatar for many years. What do you think of this news?
I have a good relationship with Emile, he is a very serious and responsible person, I think he does a good job.
Seeing Rashford’s recent performance, would you consider preparing a set of coping strategies for him tomorrow?
No, no, no, Rashford is a very good player, and the state is very good recently, but we will not design a special strategy to deal with Rashford, or defend as we usually do, take out our
fighting spirit.
Rashford is very important,