Xavi talks Champions League, Barcelona dressing room and Girona defeat

FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández has spoken ahead of his side’s Champions League game with Royal Antwerp on Wednesday.

Managing staff emotions

“With the staff, what we try to do is focus on what we can control, which is to motivate the players,” he said in words reported by Mundo Deportivo.

“Since Joan Laporta called me, when we were in Qatar, I told them to be prepared because there would be a lot of criticism. We are all born Culés and what we want is the best for Barça.”

A damaged dressing room?

“From the outside, for sure. I’m sure there’s criticism because we lost to Girona. Behind closed doors, I see that they are angry because we were better than Girona and we did well enough to win but we didn’t manage that.

“We made mistakes in both boxes and the dressing room is angry and wants to react. Even though we’ve already done our homework in this competition, tomorrow’s game is important.”

A Barça under construction

“When I say under construction I mean that we need to improve things. There have been many changes, young players, new players. I’m referring to the model of play, We can and we must play better. I think we are halfway there to making Barça great.”

Kieran Quaile | GSFN