Barca coach Xavi attended the pre-match press conference with Inter Milan
Facing an opponent like Inter Milan, do you think it is more important to adapt to your opponent? For example, make some special adjustments to deal with specific opponents?
I think on the one hand, it is to adapt to the opponent, and on the other hand, it is to actively make adjustments to create more possibilities. Barcelona's football is to control the ball, take the initiative to attack, and suppress the opponent in the frontcourt. I don't want to change these, but I will make some adjustments, such as the three defenders, but this is to better control the game and be able to take the initiative. No matter what opponent you are or what stadium you are on, our changes are positive and forward. This is my opinion.
Inter Milan's Lukaku will not be able to play tomorrow, and Lautaro may not be able to play. Are you ready for the starting lineup in the face of such an opponent? Or do you think you need to wait for the last training class?
My idea is already very clear, and there is only the last training class left. I hope there will be no accidents, but tomorrow's lineup is basically confirmed. Barcelona's goal is to control the ball, take the initiative, and advance the game to the opponent's half. This is an important game, and an important opponent, although not decisive, is very important for the subsequent trend of the group.
Barcelona returned to the top of the La Liga after 833 days. What does it mean for the team?
I think this is important news. It is very important for the team's confidence and morale, which means we did a good job, but tomorrow is a brand new game. We did not score points in Munich, and tomorrow's game is very important. This is the time when we need to show our performance.
Barcelona often uses three defenders this season. How much impact will it have on Barcelona? And what does this mean when facing Inter Milan, who is the same three defenders?
I think it depends on who the opponent is. For example, if the opponent is a double striker, then the three defenders may be a little rich. Of course, we have to look at the specific situation. There may be someone who can assist the midfielder in the game, or someone may intervene in the attack. This is all possible and requires risk, considering the importance of tomorrow's game. Inter Milan's offense is very direct, and the confrontation is excellent. He has an advantage in many aspects of the game, but what Barcelona needs to do is face it bravely and show its own characteristics.
So far this season, Barcelona has only conceded 4 goals. What do you think of this number?
I have said before that defense is very important. Not giving a chance to the phone, and losing less goals is very important. This is true for any event. For example, in the match against Bayern , we had problems with corner kick defense in the second half, which changed the trend of the game. We attach great importance to defense, especially in terms of not conceding goals.
The problems that Barcelona has encountered in Champions League in the past few years. From this perspective, do you also need to do some work in the psychological aspects of the players?
Yes, especially in terms of confidence, I think we have a better advantage in the game between and Bayern than Bayern. Bayern is a popular in the Champions League and a strong contender for the championship. We played very well, but we were a little less efficient and poorer in the game. I will discuss this with the players, and the players are showing their form.
Lewandowski has scored 12 goals so far this season. Messi and 's personal record is 37% shooting rate. Why do you think Lewandowski has such high shooting efficiency?
I think this data is excellent first. Lewandowski is a high-level player, and other players also need to participate. We saw Lewandowski’s goal efficiency was very efficient, and his goal in the last game brought victory to the team, which was good news.
12 years ago, you participated in the Champions League semi-finals with Inter Milan. What kind of memories do you have about that game? And are you confident that you can “take revenge”?
No, I think it has been a long time for me. I remember that we took the bus to Milan because of the volcano problem. However, Inter Milan's lineup was very strong at that time, and Mr. Mourinho's command of was also very outstanding, causing us a lot of trouble. we lost the game in Milan. I still remember that it was a very controversial game, not a very beautiful memory ( laugh).
Everyone still remembers the semi-finals with Inter Milan 12 years ago. You also said that the game was full of controversy. So do you think there are still shortcomings in the referee level of the Champions League?
I didn't think much about this issue, but I did always think that the referees should also hold a post-match press conference to explain some of their penalty. I believe this is beneficial for understanding the referee's punishment. Of course, I understand and believe in the referee's level of law enforcement.
Which event do you think is easier for Barcelona this season in the Champions League or the League? And what do you think about Messi's possible return to Barcelona?
I think the Champions League is more difficult because the Champions League emphasizes more state and more emphasis on the right time and performance. At this time, the details are more important. In this regard, the league may be more "fair", while the Champions League may seem unfair.
Messi himself said that it is not the best team to win the Champions League. I agree very much about this. For example, if you are in a better state, you will be completely eliminated after a penalty kick. The league has 38 rounds, which can fully reflect the team's status and level.
Regarding Messi's question, I don't think it's appropriate to discuss it here. Messi and I are good friends. I also wish Messi all the best. Barcelona is his home, but discussing this issue now is not suitable for him. I hope everything goes well in Paris.
Pedri There is no assist this season. Do you have some requirements for this aspect?
Yes, we definitely have a lot to adjust, especially for an inside player like Pedri, who needs more goals, plug in, and participate in the offense. Of course, it's not just an assist issue, because sometimes it may not be the inside striker to complete the last pass, but the full-back. But creating opportunities in the game and affecting the game, which is the most important thing, Gaby , De Jong, and Casey all need to participate in the offense, or even score goals. How to evaluate Lautaro's performance? And what do you think of the newly retired Higuain ?
Lautaro is very outstanding. First of all, he can get the ball with his back, create space, and also score goals. Such a player is very interesting and excellent.
I really appreciate Higuain. It was very difficult to fight him in Real Madrid every time. He is a model player. He has always worked hard and respected his opponents. He is a very excellent player.
(Hupu)
