BarcelonaBarça coach Xavi Hernández appeared at a press conference in the preview of the match that his team is playing this Sunday (4.15pm, M. LaLiga) against Elche at the Martínez Valero stadium. The Egarenc coach did not deny this week’s meeting with Erling Haaland to discuss a possible signing of the Norwegian striker and did not want to give details of the operations to strengthen the defense, with Azpilicueta and Christensen very advanced.
Elche, complicated. “It’s a difficult match because Elche has improved a lot with Francisco. They haven’t lost at home. It’s a very physical team, with two clear points. In the first leg we fell asleep in the second half. It’s a very intense rival. and mourning is important to us. “
The meeting with Haaland. “I can’t give details. We are working for the present and the future of the club. When we can move things forward, we will do it. Yesterday we announced the signing of Pablo Torre, who is a great talent. Beyond that I can’t say anything “We are working.”
Piqué’s future in the short term. “The feeling is that it’s not time to talk about these things. We are present. Tomorrow we play in Elche, we are fourth and we can be third. I don’t think it’s time to talk about signings or the future. It’s up to us. I understand “But I can say that we are working towards the future. Piqué? His performance is extraordinary. He is the leader of the defensive line, he gives us a lot in every way.”
Intervention in the signings. “We are a team with the president at the helm. With Mateu, with Jordi, mine staff… This is a group, a team. I don’t decide for myself. There is also the football director, who is Mateu, the sports director, who is Jordi Cruyff … Nobody decides unilaterally. It’s up to me to explain the sports project. I haven’t found anyone who doesn’t want to come to Barça from the start. Then there are the clauses and the agreements, of course. “
Paul Tower. “He is a natural talent. He can play on the wing and also inside. He uses both legs and has a goal. He has the ability to play for many years at Barça. It will depend on his mentality, but he is a humble boy, the son of a footballer. like Esteban Torre … He will have the dynamics of the first team and if he doesn’t have minutes he will go to the branch because he has an age when he needs to play, like Abde and Jutglà. He is a great signing “.
Excessive praise for Pedri. “It reminds me of Iniesta, yes. I’m sorry if this should lead me to criticism. I know how Pedri is. He’s humble and I know the comparison won’t affect him. He’s a very natural, very normal guy.”
The continuity of Alves. “His performance is unquestionable. He gives a lot to the team on and off the field. It’s an example, a show to see him train. I hope he has a good performance by the end of the season so we decide to continue. M I would like to continue, but it depends on the performance and the club. He can give us a lot next year, despite his age [farà 39 anys enguany]”.
Haaland and Mbappé in the League. “The more players at this level, the better. The league would go up and be more attractive. These players arouse a lot of passion and make us increase the number of fans.”
Riqui Puig, almost unpublished. “We’ll see what happens. Riqui has fierce competition. And it’s a shame because he trains very well. He has high level footballers ahead of him. Gavi, Pedri, Nico, Frenkie … He trains very well and improves day by day.” .
