Xavi: 'We can't afford any more slips'

FC Barcelona are headed to Celta this Saturday at 6.30pm CET and coach Xavi Hernandez says "it's a difficult trip against a team with a highly methodological coach who does things right. But we are going to need to show that we are able to keep competing." 

United for the cause

"The squad is united and training hard" he continued. "There is also unity with the club president and Deco. But we can't afford any more slips. I am positive that we can make up the lost ground. That's the direction we are working in, improving in defence, in pressure... These are three very important points that would improve our league position. I'm not thinking about Napoli yet."

"We are totally concentrated on both competitions. We are going to fight for la Liga and the Champions League. I am very happy and pleased with everyone's commitment and dedication. They are competing in a difficult context. They get upset when they lose because they only play to win. The team looks united to me and they're keen to improve. I think this season could still turn out well. It's all about how the team reacts in the next few games, and we'll be giving everything we've got. I love Barça and would give all I have for this season to end on a high note."

But not all of the questions were about himself. he was also asked about Gavi's fitness, saying that the youngster "is part of the future of FC Barcelona." He is indeed. But the more immediate future is the game with Celta at Balaídos. Bring it on!