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Barcelona return to action tomorrow when they host Granada at the Olympic Saint Montjuic. Coming off a solid 1-3 win against Deportivo Alaves, the Catalans will be hoping to build on their momentum.
With Xavi leaving at the end of the season, Barcelona will be hoping to give him the farewell he deserves by pushing for La Liga and the Champions League, at least as far as they can.
Speaking about the Granada clash, Xavi said, “Granada changed coaches a few days ago. I think that with Medina they have bettered in defensive fear, aggressiveness, of duels. We imagine a Granada in low block, in need of points, that has improved. Difficult rival with needs. We need the support of the fans to continue with the good streak.”
He also spoke about his resignation, firming his decision to leave at the end of the season.
“Leaving the club? I made it very clear: it doesn’t have to change anything. The decision was right, because the club needed a change of dynamics. And seeing the team’s reaction, I think it was the right decision and it doesn’t change anything.”
Barcelona got lucky with Atletico Madrid’s late equaliser against Real Madrid last weekend, cutting down the lead against them to eight points.
With los blancos taking on Girona today, Barcelona could have another shot at slashing the lead to some extent. And if not Madrid, then second-placed Girona.
“The Madrid-Girona duel? What suits us is to win tomorrow knowing that the two or one of the two is going to drop points. But let it not happen to us like in front of Villarreal that we failed. Of course we will be pending and it is important, but the most important thing is that we do not fail.”
On Roque, Roberto, Christensen, and others
Barcelona will be without Vitor Roque, who was unfairly sent off against Alaves. The appeal against the decision did not work, either.
“Vitor Roque’s appeal? I don’t want to talk about the referees and polemics. I gave my opinion last week and nothing…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/xavi-talks-araujo-cancelo-raphinha-gavi-gundogan-real-madrid-ahead-of-barcelona-vs-granada/
Author : Udhav Arora
Publish date : 2024-02-10 12:37:34
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