Xavi talks rotation, Pedri injury, Pablo Torre and Raphinha ahead of Cadiz clash

Here’s the latest from the Barcelona boss

 Xavi has spoken to the press ahead of Barcelona’s next La Liga game against Cadiz on Sunday at the Camp Nou.

The Barcelona boss talked about Pedri’s injury, the return of Sergio Busquets, what he expects from Cadiz and some of his players who have been struggling for game time.

Here are the best bits:

Xavi on Cadiz

We expect a much more defensive opposition, more direct football. I expect quite a low block from Cadiz. So we will have a typical home match where we’ll dominate the ball and will try to look for opportunities, attack the space, try to get players forward. Cadiz defend really well and playing them at home in recent years has been difficult for us.

Xavi on Pedri

It’s unfortunate to lose him. Pedri is extremely important, vital. He makes the difference, controls the tempo and is transcendental. There will be moments for everyone, they have to be ready. I hope we don’t miss him as much as we did last season.

Xavi on rotation

Regardless of whether we win or lose, there’s a knockout game coming up and we need to make rotations because there is fatigue, there are knocks, we have a lot of matches in a short amount of time so we need to rotate. Everyone is training really well. It’s a moment to rotate not just because of Thursday, if that was a league game we’d make the same changes.

On Lewandowski, Xavi

Lewandowski is in excellent form right now, and while it may have been that he was at an exceptional level earlier rather than now, which gives the impression that he is lower, he actually greatly benefits the squad.

On Ferran Torres, Xavi

Ferran Torres requires confidence because he needs it when he is performing poorly. You need confidence when your performance falls short of what people have come to anticipate from you. I have complete faith in everyone.

On Franck Kessie, Xavi

Kessie has persevered and had to wait for his chance; as a result, he is now a crucial member of the team. He has contributed much to the team while remaining positive and unreflective. He has worked hard to train, has been professional, and is currently

Xavi on 4-4-2

I have never used the 4-4-2 in my life as a coach, nor have I worked on it nor do I like it. If we take any photo of the team in attack or defense, it will never be a 4-4-2. We attack in a way and we defend in another. Never, ever, a 4-4-2. Sometimes we can play with two pure wingers or not. It depends on the game, the rival. Having alternatives makes us stronger.

Xavi on Busquets

The absence of Busquets is always noticed. He is a player who works really well tactically, recovers the ball, he has a winning mindset and we are almost always in the opposition half thanks to his work. You notice in the one on ones, in the circulation of the ball, he has a great pass. We’ve missed him. Having him back is good news for the team.

Xavi on Dembele

For Dembele it’s soon, he’s already doing something in the field and jogging, but it depends on his feelings. He’s with the rehabilitators, then he’ll return to the group.

Xavi on the refereeing scandal

Today we focus on Cadiz. We are focused on our work. We haven’t discussed it as a group. We haven’t talked about it.

Xavi on Pablo Torre

Pablo Torre is ready and he has to be because the team will need him, I would like everyone to play, but it’s impossible. It’s not easy because he has great competition. This is football, there are many people who don’t play. He is different, he’s not like Pedri, Gavi, Kessie and Frenkie. He’s more of a midfielder to be close to the striker, with a shot and the ability to make a difference.

Xavi on Araujo

Araujo is suspended, he will rest on Sunday and that is why he has worked alone, with a different rhythm, it was planned.

Xavi on Raphinha

We asked for the signing of Raphinha. I am the one who has trusted him the most, he is already the top assister, he scores, in one-on-one he dares more. He is an extraordinary player, he is succeeding and he will succeed, without a doubt. When he received criticism I had zero doubts that he was going to succeed.

Xavi on Eric Garcia

I’m being unfair to Eric Garcia, he deserves more minutes, it’s wonderful to train him, he doesn’t complain, he works very well, always with a smile.