Xavi: 'We need to impose our style'

When this game comes around, the whole world sits up and takes notice. FC Barcelona and Real Madrid face each other in the 2024 Spanish Super Cup final just as they did last season when the blaugranes took the title with a scintillating 3-1 win. For Barça coach Xavi Hernández, however, the clock has been reset to zero. "This season's final has nothing to do with last season but we do want to impose our personality and our DNA on the game; the Cruyff ideas," explained the blaugrana boss in his pre-final press conference in Riyadh.  

Impose Barça style 

"The team is motivated. It's the perfect situation for a player, to impose our way of playing, the DNA that links us back to Cruyff," said Xavi Hernández. "We have the example from last season: we are proud of that day. That's the path we are always looking for. Dominate possession, create chances through numerical superiority and triangles," he added before remarking that there are no favourites for Sunday's game: "When kick off comes, the final will be 50-50." 

The Barça coach also had words for Sunday's opponents and his respect for their rivals for the Spanish Super Cup. "We come into the game really motivated because it is a Clásico and there is a trophy at stake. I have the feeling that Real Madrid are stronger when Barça are stronger. Since I have been coach, to win a trophy we have had to get past Real Madrid. It's very even; last season we won two trophies and now we will battle them for another," added Xavi. 

To conclude, the Barça boss continued to look at Sunday's rivals: "They have changed their system compared to last season. They have dangerous names." Xavi remarked on their strength as a team but also the presence of individuals like Jude Bellingham: "His ability to get in the box stands out." Finally, Xavi outlined his admiration for his opposite number Carlo Ancelotti: "He is one of the best coaches in the world and one of the best ever. He has won things wherever he has been and left his mark. I have the utmost respect for him."