There is a tough test coming up in the Copa del Rey with FC Barcelona facing Athletic Club in the quarter final of the competition in San Mamés. Coach Xavi Hernández in his pre-game press conference on Tuesday described it as “very important and we have to go into the game completely focused.” The Barça boss admitted that his were ready to compete in a San Mamés stadium where the atmosphere is “always intense.”
“I would like to take about football and not controversies, about how we got in behind Betis in their own half,” added Xavi, referring to debates about the use of VAR over the weekend. “My job is to motivate the players,” he added before giving his thoughts on Wednesday’s opponents. “Athletic are an aggressive side and they will pressure us a lot. They have a great coach and international players who are in excellent form such as Nico Williams, Sancet and De Galarreta. Also, they have a stadium and fans that make a lot of noise and gets behind them. It will be a tough game and we will have to compete,” said the blaugrana coach.
Happy with the contribution from La Masia
Xavi also commented on the contribution of players from La Masia in recent matches. “We have a lot of confidence in them and they are showing great character. It’s a production line of players who can establish themselves in the first team,” he said referring to figures such as Iñaki Peña, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí. Furthermore, the Barça coach welcomed back Andreas Christensen and João Cancelo to the squad after injury, adding “they are fine and will get some playing time.”
Convinced his squad can fight for a 32nd Copa del Rey title for the Club, Xavi also believes his side are still in with a shout in La Liga. “I see the players with belief and a winning mentality. They believe in what we are doing,” he concluded.
