In this press conference on Monday, Xavi decided to play the game by answering the many questions concerning the transfer window. Selected pieces.
This Monday, the journalists following FC Barcelona did well to move. Rather the type to kick into touch or usually dodge, Xavi has agreed to answer the many questions surrounding the next transfer window of the blaugranas. The Catalan coach started by talking about his project started this season. “I answer your questions. You tell me that there are critics and I tell you that you have to believe it. The players believe in it. We have shown a little what it can become. We need to be more reliable and more competitive. Next year, you have to compete to win titles. Within the club, I have all the necessary support..
He also has the confidence of a club with which he will work closely on the transfer window, as was the case last winter with the arrivals of Ferran Torres, whom he had claimed, Aubameyang and Adama Traoré (ready). “In this there is no problem, I am very comfortable with the president, the sporting director, the technical secretary, Jordi, and the director of football, Mateu (Alemany). They respect my opinion. We have built a good group and my opinion is respected. I will be aware of everything and work to strengthen ourselves and be more competitive next year”.
Barça will have to sell this summer
But we will still have to deal with a limited envelope. “It depends on finances. In the end, if you want something and you can’t have it because you don’t have the money, you still have to do something else. The scenario is easy, it depends on the money. We’re going to do one thing or another. It’s obvious, but that’s how it is. The situation is tough, but, at the moment, it is our reality (…). We made a football diagnosis, then there is the economic aspect which does not belong to me, but the club is working on this aspect. We have made the diagnosis and we know what we need and, from there, what can be done”.
First of all, it will be necessary to sell. Elements like Coutinho, Pjanic, Umtiti or even Lenglet are invited to leave. Xavi did not want to name anyone but he made it clear that it will be necessary to slim down. “We are quite clear. It’s difficult to vary and change the opinion we have. Things are pretty clear with the players and the situations. The economic situation of the club marks us a lot. Regarding arrivals, the Iberian technician also released some information. Regarding the recruitment of a number 9, he did not deny that it was his priority.
Haaland, a No. 9 out of reach
“I think it’s important to get stronger every year, no matter if you win or lose, but even more so if you lose. This year will not be positive, because we did not fight for titles and we did not win and whatever happens will be welcome. The current economic situation and people will have to leave for them to come. It’s one of the most difficult situations but we have to strengthen ourselves next year if we want to be competitive.”. Robert Lewandowski is the priority track for the Culés, who had tried for Erling Haaland (BVB).
Xavi had gone to Munich to convince the Norwegian who will, a priori, join City. “It’s not official for City, is it? When it is, you’ll ask me again. For us ? It is very difficult (to recruit him) because of the economic situation, I will not lie to you (…) I will not say much, I will not disrespect other projects. But our project is good. City have a lot of titles and are in competition (for the PL title). If what you say happens, it will be because of financial problems. I have been to Munich several times (laughs)”said Xavi ironically.
Xavi wants to double some positions and extend Dembélé
A coach who wants several reinforcements. “There is no profile like Busquets in the team, who we will miss tomorrow. We have to find the balance when Busquets is not there. Busquets won’t last forever as it has happened to all of us and it’s important that the club’s planning goes through that. Barça must have at least two players per position and there are positions that we have not doubled. Planning well is important.. Then asked about Frenkie de Jong, who is said to be sacrificed and who is courted by several clubs (PSG, City), he simply recalled that he is a good player who needs freedom.
Another player whose future is in the air: Ousmane Dembélé. And concerning the French at the end of the contract, the Spaniard was clear: “We come back to the same thing, we have to adapt to an economic level that suits the club well. I have no doubts with Ousmane. He gives us a lot. He is unlucky in front of goal but he helps us a lot. Assists, danger. He is a footballer who makes the difference. He missed goals but otherwise I am very satisfied with him. The club knows my idea but there are negotiations, a representative, a player, a club… let’s see, I hope he can stay.” A precise message from a Xavi who will have a say in the transfer window.
