Xavi: 'This is the moment of truth'

Xavi Hernández has spoken to the press ahead of the first game of la Liga 2022/22, which is a 9pm CEST kick-off at home to Rayo Vallecano. 

Rayo Vallecano

“We are starting the new season with high hopes following the new signings we made and the competition that this will generate among the squad."

“Iraola has worked hard to put together a strong Rayo side. They may not be household names but they hit you on the counter attack like jet planes."

The squad

“We are working on registering all the players. We are highly optimistic here at the club."

“We have had a great preseason, but the hour of truth will come this Saturday."

“We have a very good squad, but we have to show that we are better on the pitch. The favourite to win the league is always the team that won the season before. But we are a strong candidate."

“We still have until August 31 to plan things in the transfer market. It depends on which players leave."

The targets

“The idea is to compete with everything and for everything. The target is to win trophies. We'll have to wait and see how far we can go with that."

“As a coach, I am all about winning or not winning. But it is also very important for us to play well. We want people to enjoy watching us and we have been building our system since November to do just that."

“We have seen a bit of everything. But right now we are generating high expectations. That puts more pressure on me. But in a good way."