Barcelona manager Xavi felt somewhat content after his team’s 2-0 win over Almeria. He admitted that although they secured the victory, their performance during the match was not top-notch.
“They had very clear chances, we should have decided the game sooner. We weren’t great in defence either,” said the manager as quoted by SPORT.
“It’s not easy or pleasant to be fighting for second place. We have not done our homework well, but I have a very good squad.
“I’m happy with the level of demand that the players have shown.”
Meanwhile, Xavi’s press conference mainly addressed topics unrelated to the Almeria game.
He spoke about the attention drawn by his cautious remarks about the future, and he provided clarification on this matter.
“I said what I think, the economic situation is not the best and we are all working very well to improve the situation. We will fight to get titles, nothing changes.
“They haven’t said anything to me personally. The sports vice president travelled with us.
“I only said what is real, that we are going to fight for all the titles, with ambition, but that the situation is not easy. It doesn’t change our reality,” he confessed.
The manager acknowledged that he is already very excited about the pre-season and everyone within the team, including the board, is working on improvement.
” I am very calm. I am planning with Deco and the president for next season and I am already very excited about starting the preseason.
“My goal is to fight again to win titles as already we did last season .”
Xavi’s thoughts on Fermin Lopez and Hector Fort
Midfielder Fermin Lopez was arguably the standout performer for his side against Almeria, notching two fantastic goals, taking his tally to 10 goals for the season across all competitions.
Speaking about his performance, the manager said that he knew during the last pre-season and the midfielder is ready for the new challenge.
“Fermin? We were told that his loan had been very good. I had liked him for a couple of years.
“When we tried him in pre-season, I saw that he was ready to compete. He’s a player for many years.”
The manager also had words reserved for Hector Fort, who played as a left-back, although he was substituted after 73 minutes.
“Hector Fort can play in almost all four positions in defence, he fits in very well, and he has personality. I’m very happy with the emergence of La Masia.”
Lastly, the manager sent out a clear message that no one within the team has told him that he should leave. “NO ONE around me has told me that it’s better for me to leave,” acknowledged.
