Xavi: "It was difficult but we enjoy it all the more"

[Bojan]

Xavi Hernandez:

“We suffered more than we thought we would against a super team, even though we dominated up until the 15th minute of the second half.
At the Bernabéu we were superior, today, not so much, but be won the tie. It’s time to enjoy it and celebrate.”

On Barça’s drop of form after Madrid’s goals, Xavi said it was a mere “mental problem” and that “the team disconnected a little bit and we lost control.”

"The supporters were with us and the mosaic started us off in spectacular fashion. Sometimes you forget what this team is accomplishing, but it’s extremely difficult and we have to enjoy it. Seeing how difficult it was [reaching the semis], we enjoy it all the more.”

On Alexis and Iniesta injuries:

"Both are very important absences, especially because both of them were giving a lot to the team. The boss will have to solve the puzzle and replace them, but we have players in the reserve side that are very good and we’ll make it to the end of the season [with a chance to win].”

Xavi on referee

“The referee issue is relative. When you finish a game you think that he was against you but Madrid thinks the same thing, even though the red card [play] from Lass was obvious. I think the ref called the game fairly.”

32nd birthday

“I’m really enjoying this period. From now on every season is an extra year. I love Barça, they have the best team in the world and I hope to remain here for many years to come.”

[Aryagorn]

Is he asking for signings? It's oobviously a thin squad and is taking it's toll on the fitness levels of the players.

[Clockwise]

Only 14 fit players left...oh.my.god

Xavi's not happy. him/Cesc or others say they are happy but they're not. they wanted a more convincing display from themselves.I like this spirit. I hope this wakes us up and pushes us on. we should not relax in a game like we did last night, when we relax even Getafe can take advantage of that let alone Real.

[UberNjufer]

well good thing is messi is on form and pedro looks deadly,but we do need one more top defender

[BerkeleyBernie]

well good thing is messi is on form and pedro looks deadly,but we do need one more top defender

Not really. Barça only needs to defend the way it has successfully in the past- through possession. The D is built for possession/distribution, not running around like madmen chasing the opponent the whole game because the team ahead of them has carelessly lost possession. When the D only has to stop the occasional break, they do fine, but it is not designed to be under pressure for 90 minutes. Keeping pressure off the back line is responsibility of the team ahead of them on the pitch.

[Aryagorn]

We probably need an attacker on loan or some thing...

[Deco 20]

We just had Cecs, why would we need another attacker?

[Aryagorn]

You can't just have 13 first team players available if you want to be competing for 3 different trophies... One where we need to close down a gap of 5 points at that

[UberNjufer]

Not really. Barça only needs to defend the way it has successfully in the past- through possession. The D is built for possession/distribution, not running around like madmen chasing the opponent the whole game because the team ahead of them has carelessly lost possession. When the D only has to stop the occasional break, they do fine, but it is not designed to be under pressure for 90 minutes. Keeping pressure off the back line is responsibility of the team ahead of them on the pitch.

when puyol or pique are out our defence is dreadfull,even with that defence we looked bad yesterday.High balls are killing us,we need tall,fast defender and maybe a LB

[Clockwise]

when puyol or pique are out our defence is dreadfull,even with that defence we looked bad yesterday.High balls are killing us,we need tall,fast defender and maybe a LB

Not really. Maschrano is a great leader at the back and very aware with great reading of the game,awesome tackler, has good speed as well as being very sharp tactically,if you notice he is the one Pep is always talking to when he wants to make some changes.

[Aryagorn]

yeah I was sceptical at first but Masch is turning out to be a good defender.

[JonM]

Xavi knows what's up. And he has a cool hoodie.

[mitkoa7x]

We need Keite back asap!
We need Sergi Roberto, JDS, Cuenca, Montoya, Bartra and probably Tello.
Pep will force Masch to play at CB again, another CB in the absence of Fontas is a must.
In attack with Messi, Pedro, Cuenca, Tello (Dani and Adriano). We might need another winger, cuz Adriano is best on the LB not in attack, same goes for Dani. + Rafinha

def: Dani, Puyi, Pique, Abi, Bartra, Montoya, Adriano
mid: Xavi, Cesc (yes, in MF!), Busi, Thiago, S. Roberto, Jds (both in RB and DM) + maybe Muniesa
att: Leo, Pedro, Cuenca, Tello and hopefully Rafinha

[Co0ter]

I think relying on too many youth at once will pay its price. Youth players are great, for perhaps early copa del rey, but for the most part I dont want more than 1, 2 if we must, being sent out at once with the first team. Cuenca has been great for the most part although he's lacked the last few appearances. Thiago hasn't been that great either lately. I'm not saying not to trust our youth, YES trust them....but not too many at once. They shine when the first team is healthy and playing good, but it'll be easy for them too lose control when the team isn't playing as well as they should.

[danumber10]

Next season..Get rid of keita and bring Oriol Romeu back. We should also buy a defender . Right now there is not much we can do about it. We do need a bigger squad next season. Players like montoya, Bartra , cuenca will be first team players next season but we should still buy a quality defender or a player that can play in the center and left of defense.