"I'm not going to talk about the referees any more, I promised you and I can't let you down"

Barcelona face Granada on matchday 24 of L aLiga and Xavi Hernandez hopes to take all three points from the game. Before the game in Barcelona, the Catalan giants' coach took time out in the press room to answer questions from journalists.

"A few days ago, they changed coach. With Medina, they have improved defensively and aggressiveness in duels. We imagine a match with a defensive Granada, difficult to create chances, with an opponent in need. There have been games where they have deserved much more. We need the warmth of the fans to continue with this mini streak of positive results," he said of their opponents.

Xavi has never beaten Granada and is confident that this will be the first time: "One more motivation on a personal level and also for the players. It's a difficult opponent. It's a motivation to show that we have improved".

The coach clarified that nothing has changed regarding his desire to leave at the end of the season. "I made it very clear. I am focused on the day to day. The decision was the right one because the club needed this change of dynamic. It was also a good decision given the reaction of the players. The decision is what I told you, it doesn't change anything", he underlined.

On how his players have reacted to his departure, he said: "I was moved by the reaction of the players and the whole dressing room".

What Xavi did not want to talk about was the referees. "I'm not going to talk any more, I already said my opinion last week. I promised you and I can't let you down. With all the politeness in the world, I'm not going to answer," he replied when asked about Vitor Roque's suspension.

 

February 10, 2024