Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona’s coach, praised his players after the 3-1 victory over Deportivo Alaves, this Saturday evening, in the 23rd round of La Liga.
Xavi said, during statements reported by the Spanish newspaper “AS”: “Winning is always a positive thing, and we achieved two victories after my decision to leave (after the end of the season).”
He added: “The opponent pressed and had chances, but we achieved victory on a difficult field.”
Regarding his reliance on Christensen as a focal player, he said: “Winning always proves to you that you are right. Christensen felt comfortable in this position, did not lose the ball, and was aggressive. He is an important player, and he will give us a lot.”
He added: “Today we were a mature team, and we knew how to compete, and the goal we received gave us courage. It made me angry, of course, because I spoke to them about the opponent’s reaction, but in general, I think we were mature in the bilateral confrontations.”
Regarding his striker, Lamine Yamal, he said: “He is a great talent, and very few players appear in such circumstances. He works for the benefit of the team even though he is 16 years old, and he has humility in his work and a savage talent.”
Regarding the situation of Gundogan and Pedri, Xavi said: “Injuries are haunting us, as Gundogan suffered a blow in the back…but Pedri does not have anything.”
Rocky fired
He continued: “We will appeal the second card for Vitor Roque, because it is a mistake by the match referee, and the expulsion is unfair. Roque played a wonderful match, and he is our top scorer alongside Lewandowski.”
He considered that they were “paying the price for Negrera’s case”, regarding the expulsion of the young Brazilian player Vitor Roque – who scored Barcelona’s third goal – in the 72nd minute for receiving two yellow cards, which Xavi strongly protested against.
The Spanish judiciary is currently investigating 7 million euros paid by Barcelona to the former Vice-President of the Technical Committee of Referees, Jose Maria Negrera, between 2001 and 2018.
