Xavi says team 'need fans' in the Estadi Olímpic
The opening game of the season at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys is just around the corner. The blaugranes take on Cádiz on Sunday at 7.30pm CEST in week two of La Liga, their first official game at the stadium following the Joan Gamper Trophy fixture against Tottenham Hotspur.
Sunday's opponents will be "tough" and "make life difficult for us," according to Xavi Hernández in the Barça coach's pre game press conference at the Ciutat Esportiva. "Cádiz defend really well and are dangerous on the counter. They are well organised and have a good coach in Sergio González, and are dangerous at set pieces. They will use the weapons at their disposal and traditionally we have found it difficult against them," said Xavi in front of the media following Friday's training session.
The Barça coach was in no doubt about the important role the fans have to play this season. "Last season they helped us win the Super Cup and La Liga. Now we are starting a new phase and we want them to keep getting behind us. We need culers to come to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys," he revealed.
"The team come into the game in good shape," according to the coach. "We have trained and adjusted things after the Getafe game. Playing at home, in front of our own fans, we have we can play better than we did in the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez [against Getafe], attack better and win the game," said Xavi.
"I have a really great relationship with Deco"
Aside from the Barça v Cádiz game, Xavi Hernández also commented on the arrival of Deco as the Club's new sporting director. The Barça coach had nothing but praise for his former blaugrana team: "I have a really great relationship with Deco. We are comfortable together and we are united. Mateu Alemany has done an extraordinary job and I want to thank him. We have been working with Deco for some days now and I think we will work well together. We have an understanding, just as we did as players, he's a football man. I think he is very capable, he knows the market, he is a leader and he is direct."
On Ansu Fati, Xavi said: "He is an important player for us and he is part of the Club, now and in the future." The coach also made reference to new signing Oriol Romeu and his adaptation to the first team. "He is a really capable player and he brings us balance in defence. However, he is also good on the ball; he is an experienced player, a leader and a perfectionist obsessed with his work. He wants to improve and he is a great signing," added the blaugrana boss.
To round off, Xavi also commented on the injury to defender Ronald Araujo. "The schedule is very demanding. We will try to have as few injuries as possible but it is part of the game. They have always happened and they always will, you have to deal with it. Ronald being out is a tough one but we have to look for alternatives," concluded the coach.