Xavi reveals what it would mean to win the Super Cup, barter for Depay and what he said about Real Madrid

The Barcelona coach, Xavi Hernández, assured this Saturday that winning the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid “would mean a lot to us”, recalling that they have not lifted a trophy for a long time.

“He is a very strong opponent in all aspects,” Xavi said at the press conference prior to the Super Cup final that the two colossi will play on Sunday in Riyadh.

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“In the finals he has a very high competitive gene and we will try to match him. We are very motivated,” he added.

“The title would mean a lot to us and even more so against Madrid. Whatever happens, the season will continue, but with a title in your pocket, everything changes”, insisted the Barca coach.

“It’s been a long time since we won titles. We have to show our desire, that is non-negotiable”, stated Xavi, insisting that “tomorrow is a great opportunity, we have to use all five senses to achieve this final, it makes us especially excited, also being Madrid, it would mean a lot for Barcelona fans ”.

The Barça coach avoided making a parallel with the first league classic that Real Madrid won 3-1 last October.

“Is different. We arrived at different times, now we have the entire squad available, ”he explained.

“We will try to show our personality and from there, control their transitions and disarm them in defense where they are very strong,” he added.

Asked about VAR and the introduction of semi-automatic offside for the first time in this competition, which led to the cancellation of a Barça goal on Thursday in the semifinal against Betis, Xavi was in favor.

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“With VAR, the sauce of football, of the celebration, is lost a bit, but on the other hand, it is fairer. I like the fairness of VAR,” he said.

FULL PRESS CONFERENCE

How do you see Madrid?

As always, very strong physically, tactically. Very strong in transitions. He is a great rival. He is the strongest rival in the League, European champion. It is always Madrid, which also has a competitive gene in the finals that is special. And we have to match that. We are motivated, excited. The title would mean a lot to us, and more for the rival. Whatever happens tomorrow, we will have to continue. But with the title in his pocket, it would give confidence.

The mindset is also important. Does Barça have more pressure to win?

The psychological aspect is key and they have a point of advantage and have more experience. But hunger has to power us. It’s been a long time since we won a title and we have to be hungry as I told the players against Betis. The youngsters have to show hunger and the veterans, category and experience. I see it as an advantage to show this hunger to win titles.

Barça is playing well for the first few minutes but then disconnects.

There are things that always worry me. There is never perfection in the game. We must try to minimize errors. But there is always a rival that complicates you. You have to press.

Do you like the semi-automatic offside?

There are two things. The same with the VAR you lose a bit of football, the celebration… But on the other hand it is fairer and I like justice. Less interpretable plays, the others are impeccable as offside. But I like the fairness of VAR.

Madrid had one more day of rest. should i change this?

Yes. It could be done for next year. It would be more fair, but it is not an excuse. In principle they are all available and tomorrow is a final. Even if you are half injured, you have to be there. When you start playing soccer as a child, that’s what it’s for. To play finals against Madrid. We are not afraid, we are not anxious. We are facing a golden opportunity to win a title that would mean a lot in the middle of the season. So go ahead for the Super Cup.

Do you have the impression that you are facing a non-negotiable opportunity?

It is that in Barça it is non-negotiable to win and the objective is the titles. And if it were another rival the same. We will go after them with enthusiasm and motivation.

What would winning a title mean to you, did you learn from last year?

I have already said that I do not prioritize myself. I prioritize Barça. Barça is more important than anyone. I am the coach and as the person in charge I will try to plan it well. But tomorrow is a great opportunity. Being Madrid, we would be very excited.

How are you going to harangue the players?

Well that one. I would trade for one of them, even if it meant being on the bench. That’s why we play. For people, to feel good, important. I am hyper motivated for tomorrow. As a coach it’s a shame because you suffer more. The other day I got angry because I thought that the footballers believed that they shouldn’t be 2-2 in the game and I don’t know if they were aware that they were facing a final.

Will you take into account the 3-1?

Is different. We arrive at different times. We will try to show our personality. Show our game model and defend them in the best possible way.

He played many Super Cups… Do you remember any like it?

We have the obligation of this title. We are Barça and we are here to win it.

What qualities does Araújo have to play as a right back?

Defensively he is extraordinary. It is a tremendous concealer for us, especially on Madrid day.

Is Gavi necessary?

This passion and this intensity is always necessary. We’ll see if we can play with four midfielders, with two wingers, with a line of three. Depending on how the rival attacks, we will see how to do it. He gives us many things. I have not decided. We will choose. I don’t think it’s about individuality. The important thing is to prepare well for the game. Many times it is not a question of names. Many things can change.

Ancelotti has not lost a single-match final since 2010.

It gives me a lot of hope… (laughs). But I’m looking forward to the truth, motivated. It has been difficult for us to get here and if Ancelotti hasn’t lost a final since 2010, then it motivates me even more.

Have you asked Carrasco if Memphis is leaving?

I have already said that I do not want anyone to leave. If someone wants and asks to leave, then you have to cover and you have to make up for this possible loss.