Xavi: "I'm in 'shock' about Dani Alves"

MADRID, 21 Ene. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The coach of FC Barcelona, ​​Xavi Hernández, has acknowledged that he is "in a state of 'shock'" due to the arrest of his former teammate in the Barça team, Dani Alves, as well as ensuring that they must "increase the demand" after the conquest of the Spanish Super Cup, starting this Sunday against Getafe, one of those games that can be "choked".

"It is difficult to comment on a situation like this. I am surprised, shocked, I am a bit in a state of 'shock' knowing Dani. It is a matter of justice, justice will dictate whatever. I feel very bad for Dani. I am surprised by how is he with us. I'm shocked," he said at a press conference.

Despite the fact that they are in "one of the best" moments of the season after winning the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid, the Culé coach warned that they cannot relax. "After the draw against Rayo we had a good run, but the victory against Madrid gave us a title and a lot of confidence. Now the important thing is to maintain our level. We have won one title, but there are three left and we want them. We are in a very good form," he said.

"You have to maintain and even increase the demand. It's very easy to be able to relax, but you have to avoid that. Everyone is important in the dressing room, we can play better. The game against Madrid was excellent, brilliant, but you have to keep this level," he continued.

About this Sunday's rival, Getafe, he assured that it is a team "very defensively worked" and "very physical", and that for this reason they must have "patience". "It's one of those matches that we can choke on. I hope that, in the great moment of form and confidence in which we are, we can add three very important points," he said.

"Tomorrow is a game to open the field and attack on the wing; they accumulate a lot of people inside. We have alternatives, the opponent doesn't know how we will play and attack. It is an option to play with four midfielders, we only have three forwards. Ángel Alarcón has entered in the call and it is an option", he added.

The Catalan coach, who assured that Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong are "available" but has "discomfort" again, insisted that it will be a demanding game. "We have lost points against Rayo and Espanyol, which in principle were games in which we were favourites. Tomorrow is one of those games, which can be complicated for you. Each game can be complicated for you. We don't have an easy schedule, very demanding," he said.

Regarding the departure of Memphis Depay to Atlético de Madrid, Xavi revealed that it was the Dutchman who "asked" to leave. "He had Atleti's proposal, we talked about it and he asked me to leave. He wasn't comfortable with the situation he was in, he needs to play and feel more important and useful. I understand it, and we've all come out winning because the club has brought in money. If we can reinforce ourselves, better, but it is not an emergency situation. Things are difficult," he explained.

He also spoke about the purchase option for Yannick Carrasco included in the agreement with the rojiblanco club. "The club keeps this purchase option. We'll see at the end of the season if we're interested in executing it in the summer. Let's see where we are and how the season has gone," he said.

In another order of things, Xavi analyzed the Copa del Rey quarterfinal tie against Real Sociedad. "We asked to play at home, it's always important. For us, playing at the Camp Nou is an advantage, a guarantee that, being well, we can hardly miss a tie. We have had the most fit rival in Spanish football. With Imanol in charge, he is doing an extraordinary job, he is going through a tremendous moment. The draw hasn't gone bad at all, but you have to show it," he said.

Lastly, he does not believe that young people have lost interest in football as a result of initiatives such as the Kings League. "Now I consume more football than before. It's my job and my passion, I'm lucky enough to coach the club of my life. The young people? I think I would win over time, it would be faster, more dynamic, they would end cheating, pretending... I don't think football has lost fans. Women's football is attracting more people", he concluded.