"It is not good to compare Lamine with Messi because he is the best in history"

A tough match for Barcelona against a Mallorca side that didn't make it easy for them. Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez analysed the narrow win in the press room and in statements to 'DAZN' and these were his conclusions:

"I think that's the tone of the whole season. Effectiveness makes for a tough game. They work very well. It was hard for us, we missed the penalty that would have changed the game. We competed well, we created clear chances to win more than 1-0. But we won, three points, welcome," he said.

He was also full of praise for Cubarsi after his great game: "Cubarsi is intelligent. He knows when to crash and when not to crash. He hasn't lost a single duel. Spectacular. Both Lamine with the goal and Pau's hierarchy, the pause, generating from the back... he doesn't look 17 years old".

He concluded on 'DAZN' with a light-hearted look ahead to Tuesday's game against Napoli: "I'm always optimistic despite the situation we're in. Today this victory gives us morale and confidence. It doesn't seem like it's important, but it is. We need the fans for Tuesday's game.

Later, Xavi continued with his analysis in the press room: "The defensive feeling is very good. They've generated very little from us in recent games. I think the veterans were also very good today. Cubarsi is differential and plays with a veteran hierarchy. Calmly, waiting... today he had two towers in front of him. He didn't lose a duel. Spectacular. Lamine, without playing his best game of the season, makes the difference. They are players who make a difference".

But the Spanish coach drew attention to the comparisons between Lamine Yamal and Messi: "It doesn't benefit anyone to be compared to Messi. He is the best in history. It's true that there are moments... he's left-footed, he goes inside and puts it into the top corner. You get the feeling that he has flashes of Messi. It's better not to compare him".

 

March 9, 2024