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On a three-game winning streak, Barcelona will face their next challenge at home against Real Betis, who have proven to be a difficult opponent in recent years.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side have won two of their opening four games of the season and currently sit in 7th place in the table, a point off the top-four spots.
Barça are currently two points off leaders Real Madrid, and cannot afford to offer them any more runway room. Anything less than three points tomorrow could prove to be detrimental in the long run for the blaugranes.
Ahead of the match, Xavi addressed the media and some pressing questions about the club as part of the pre-game conference.
Speaking about the game, he said, “Betis is a great team, very technical, with high-level footballers. I have always liked watching Pellegrini’s teams and it will be a game with highly contested possession.”
He also confirmed his contract renewal with the club, suggesting the announcement is coming soon, saying, “I am happy and the project is continuing. My contract renewal will be announced in a few days.”
On Gundogan, Pedri, and Araujo’s injuries
Xavi addressed Ilkay Gundogan’s injury against France, where the veteran was substituted off the pitch in tears. Reports coming out later, however, stated that the player is fit and not at risk of missing games.
“Gündogan had the blow on his back. We will see how he is today and we will decide tomorrow, although in principle he should be fit to play tomorrow.”
He also gave an update about Ronald Araujo’s injury, who has only played one game all season so far: “Araujo is also progressing well.”
“All players have an injury prevention plan. We should not focus on Pedri. There are injuries in all teams due to the demanding schedule. It’s inevitable with stress and fatigue,” Xavi said about Pedri.
Back soon. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)
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Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/xavi-talks-araujo-gundogan-pedri-yamal-and-roque-ahead-of-barcelona-vs-real-betis/
Author : Udhav Arora
Publish date : 2023-09-15 15:33:33
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