Xavi: “Ousmane already knows what’s up”

Will Mendilibar try to replicate what Athletic did?

The system is similar, a lot of set pieces, second options. We will try to learn from our mistakes. We urgently need a victory to stay close to the Champions zone

How is Ansu?

Very affected. On Monday there will be another meeting after today’s. Pruna told me that it was for half an hour and the extension upset our plans. We will make a plan so that you do not get injured again. We are going to make a very exclusive recovery so that it does not happen again.

Does Ansu’s situation affect Dembélé?

The situation does not change, he has to decide. Nothing changes.

Is a striker more of a priority than ever?

We are working on it and we have talked about it very clearly where we can reinforce ourselves. From what we want to what we can, there is a bit about the salary limit and the chips.

What worries you the most?

The results. When there is a change of coach there is a process of change and you have to be patient. We are going slower than we thought. We are going to insist on the idea that made Barça great. We have to start tomorrow. We believe in this model, but we need results.

Have you spoken to Ousmane again?

He trains well, he is calm, he is one more and he knows his situation. I was very clear. It’s up to him.

Do you think that the best thing is for Ansu to have surgery?

I am not a doctor, the best thing is to recover him mentally, to have a plan, to give him love. He is an impressive player. We are all sad, but he is the main victim.

Are you still optimistic?

If not I would go home. I am convinced that we are at the beginning of something important. You have to persevere. It happened to me as a player. I understand the criticism and that there are no transition years. It only remains to work very hard. Every day the sun rises. Or almost.

Are Busquets, Alba or Piqué overexploited?

I understand the criticism. It happened to me. The shots go to the sacred cows. They have to know where they are and push forward. They are the first who want to win and their commitment is unquestionable. We don’t have many alternatives. We have had injuries and a lot of COVID..

If Dembélé stays, will he play or will the stands go?

There’s no more. He knows the situation. There is no other alternative.

Is Ansu’s injury the worst possible news for the team’s missing goal?

Yes, we are frustrated. It is part of football and we have too many setbacks. It is very hard for everyone.

Do you also prescribe patience for yourself?

Yes. You have to insist more to compete better. It does not give us excellent results. You have to work more.

What do you think of Alavés?

If there is a coach who can save them, it is Mendilibar. Clear ideas, very demanding, very direct. A great trainer. As a player, he always made things difficult for us.

Do you see the defeat against Athletic as a step backwards?

They beat us by intensity and courage, two values ​​that cannot be missing and were missing. And that’s what hurts me the most. San Mamés is that and Vitoria is going to be very similar.

Will Dembélé travel?

The list is tomorrow.

What does Frenkie need to improve on?

It will be important, he arrived with discomfort. That doesn’t get to you anyway. The same happens with Alba, but everyone wants to be.

What fails to not control the game?

We failed in the first part, where we were wrong, but in the second part we were better. You have to play more in the opposite field.

What do you ask midfielders to overcome high pressure?

Superiority and three against two, looking for the second line to reach the area. We treat eight against six and let them choose to create chances. We are getting better at that.