The boss knows that he needs to lighten his squad this summer, particularly with new signings needing to be registered, and as a result, he left several first-team players out of his pre-season squad tour, making it clear that they had to find new clubs.
The several first-team players have to find a solution to find a new club
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez spoke at the press conference ahead of their clash with Juventus at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. The boss knows that he needs to lighten his squad this summer, particularly with new signings needing to be registered, and as a result, he left several first-team players out of his pre-season squad tour, making it clear that they had to find new clubs. “They haven’t been cast aside,” Xavi said. “They’re first-team players, and they trained with us before the tour. But I was clear with them all in May. They’re looking for solutions now, and we’re trying to help them so that they can play football. They know it will be impossible for them to play with Barcelona, so they have to find a solution to find somewhere to play.”
Barcelona have to be more consistent
One of the first things Xavi addressed was the summer acquisition of Robert Lewandowski. “Lewandowski is a top player in his position, and he is also humble, professional and is adapting,” Xavi said. “With him, the team grows a lot.” The coach also shared his insight on taking over the club midway through the season and shared what he believed they needed to do to improve. “It’s advantageous to have arrived in November,” Xavi commented. “We had some perfect games, and then we dipped. We have to be more consistent”. The club experienced a big blow when their star player Lionel Messi was forced to leave the club last summer owing to Barcelona’s dire financial situation. The current coach said that while he admires the player, there is no immediate plan for the club to resign him.
According to Xavi, Alemany and Cruyff do great job
“Messi has a contract, and it’s impossible to sign him,” Xavi said. “It makes no sense to talk about Messi.” The coach continued to highlight the work done by the club’s management this summer, having signed a host of players. “I wouldn’t say Xavi’s own presence made a difference,” Xavi said. “Mateu Alemany and Jordi Cruyff do great work. We are a family, and we are all as one. Being Barcelona is also a magnet for the players”. Xavi also shed light on how he tries to convince players to join the club, especially given the current financial situation at the club. “I explain things clearly. The plan, the city. I’m like that,” Xavi stated. “If I don’t give 100 per cent, I’d rather stay at home. I try to make them enjoy themselves and make them feel important. It’s clear that being Barcelona helps, that’s clear.”
“There is an exciting project. We also speak clearly with the players. It all adds up, but this is Barcelona. Despite having a not-so-good period, players are excited to play here. The word this year is exciting. The fact that Lewandowski wanted to come here says a lot.”