Xavi Hernandez, the head coach of Barcelona, addressed the media at a press conference before the team’s Cotton Bowl match against Juventus which ended in a 2-2 draw.
The manager left several first-team players off the FC Barcelona preseason tour, making it plain that they needed to find new clubs because he understands he needs to lighten his roster this summer, especially given the necessity to register recruits.
“They haven’t been cast aside,” Xavi Hernandez said. “They trained with us prior to the tour and are first-team players.
“But I was clear with them all in May. They’re looking for solutions now, and we’re trying to help them so that they can play football.
“They must find a way to play somewhere because they are aware that they will be unable to play for Barcelona.”
Xavi started out by talking about the summer’s purchase of Robert Lewandowski.
“He [Lewandowski] is a top player in his position and he is also humble, professional, and is adapting,” Xavi said. “With him, the team grows a lot.”
The coach also discussed his perspective on taking over the team in the middle of the season and what he thought they needed to accomplish to advance.
“The fact that we arrived in November is advantageous,” Xavi said.
“We had some very good games and then we dipped. We have to be more consistent”.
Lionel Messi’s forced departure from the team last summer as a result of Barcelona’s terrible financial circumstances dealt a severe blow to the organization.
Although the player is one he admires, the club does not currently have any plans to sign him, according to coach Xavi.
“It’s hard to sign Messi because of his contract, Xavi claimed.
“It makes no sense to talk about Messi.”
The manager kept praising the club’s management for their efforts this summer, which included signing several players.
“I wouldn’t say it [his presence] made a difference”, Xavi noted.
“Mateu [Alemany] and Jordi [Cruyff] do great work. We are all a part of one big family.
“The players are drawn to Barcelona because of its reputation.”
Xavi also discussed how he approaches players about joining the team, particularly in light of the club’s present financial predicament.
“I explain things clearly. The city, the plan. I’m that way “Xavi declared.
“If I don’t give 100 percent, I’d rather stay at home. I make an effort to make them feel important and have fun. It’s clear that being Barcelona helps, that’s clear.
“There is an exciting project. We also speak clearly with the players. It all adds up, but this is Barcelona.
“Despite having a not so good period, players are excited to play here. The word this year is excitement. The fact that Lewandowski wanted to come here says a lot.”
What Players Does Xavi Hernandez Want to Sell?
In an effort to sell as quickly as possible, Xavi left five first team players off the squad for the club’s preseason trip.
The five players in question are Samuel Umtiti, Oscar Mingueza, Martin Braithwaite, goalie Neto, and midfielder Riqui Puig.
According to the Spanish news outlet Sport, Xavi is ready to “force” players like Neto, Umtiti, and Braithwaite to leave this summer because he believes they are unnecessary.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Mingueza and Puig, two graduates of Barcelona’s renowned youth system, are also on their way out of the club.
