Xavi: Before the game, a lot of people said that Real Madrid was going to play Barca, but that wasn't the case

Barca boss Xavi attended the post-match press conference with Real Madrid on January 13

What was your mood after today's game?

I was sad and angry because we had the game in our hands. Except for the opening 20 minutes, because we played a little hard at that time, after all, it was also a continuation of some of the previous performances, but then we got into the form and started to go all out, I think Barca performed better than Real Madrid, possession, mastering the game, we can say that the game is in hand.

The opponent used the offensive and defensive conversion to create a lot of trouble for us, but the risk is something that has to be taken, this is definitely done, this is also the way we master the game, I think we can be proud, because this is a step forward, it is also the direction we should go, today we also have injured people who start to come back.

I'm certainly angry because it's a national derby and we've lost an important title and we want to get to the final, that's our goal. From the point of view of the result, I was disappointed and angry, but from the process of the game, from the scene, I was not disappointed and angry.

You say you're angry, just because of the results? And you mention "adventure", but some adventures are not necessary?

No, it's just our own mistakes, such as not restricting the opponent's offensive and defensive conversion, such as losing the ball in a key area, we should be more stable and more responsible when we control the ball, but our frontcourt players sometimes lack such a sense of responsibility, and the result is that when we are in the advantage, we are counter-attacked by the opponent and score. But this kind of game is also a process of growth, in general, as long as we lose the baggage, we can break the wrist with any opponent.

The first 20 minutes were very tough, why?

Yes, the opponent controls the game, and we play harder, if we take the ball, then we need to adjust the formation, one more person in the midfield, the risk of being counter-attacked by the opponent will increase at this time, but this is Barca, Barca need to take risks, need to learn from it. But today we can look up because we fought and had every chance to get to the final.

How did Ferran make his debut for Barca in 45 minutes?

He also lacks the rhythm of the game, including him and Pedri, but their future will be very critical, and Fati, who came off the bench today, has provided a lot of help to the team. If Barca can reach the final, there is actually no problem, today's game is very evenly matched.

Is the loss of this game a great pity for you?

Yes, how to say it, because we have a lot of chances to reverse Real Madrid 3-2, or we can equalize 3-3, of course, Real Madrid also have a chance to win 4-2 in the end. Overall we had the advantage in the game for a long time, controlled the game and didn't win in the end, it was really a very regrettable thing, very angry, very sorry. But at the same time, from the course of the race, I'm also proud because I believe that's the path we need to go.

Barça fans should be very satisfied with the game today, what do you think? Do you think Barça is getting closer and closer to what you want to be?

Yes, I have also said that the feeling is complicated and the result is disappointing, but the content of the game makes us proud. We lack some experience in the game, we lack some patience, we also lack some sense of responsibility, especially in the possession stage, but how to say it, for two months, I feel that Barca are on the right path, and what is missing now is a turning point, a key victory.

Today we saw Fati score a goal just after his comeback, Ferran made his first appearance in three months, And Araujo played a full 120 minutes with his protective gear, is this kind of spirit and dedication also let you see the hope?

Yes, as I said before, I have no problem with the attitude of the players, everyone wants to play, they are willing to take risks, of course as young players we need to be careful, but I am proud of them, such an atmosphere, a big family here, I am proud of them.

We are in the right direction, but we also need to consider the problem of results, Barca are facing a lot of injury problems, but our injured players are slowly returning, and I have more and more difficulties when I choose to start, but I believe that for the team, this is good news.

Pedri, Ferran, Fati came out today, for all three of them, what is your positioning?

They all helped the team today, of course we had a tough start, Real Madrid took the initiative, and we had a lot of baggage, and then we started to play, these three players did a good job, they haven't played for a long time. Fati is a player who can decide the game, and everyone has seen that he has this ability, and I am very happy with them.

You said yesterday that Real Madrid are the best team in Spain right now, so after today's game, do you think Barca can also reach the heights of Real Madrid?

Yes, if only today, of course it is, but if we say the whole season, it is certainly not, we are 17 points away from Real Madrid in the league. But today fully Barca have a chance to reach the final, so there's nothing wrong with that, Real Madrid also sent their weapons, their counter-attack, their speed is fast, we didn't control their advantage ourselves. But Barca are playing well and can play against the best team in Spain.

Luc De Jong, who has scored in three consecutive games, would you let him go if you had the choice?

Luc is one of our players and I said yesterday that there are no players in Barca who can play by virtue of their fame, and who can play well can play, for me meritocracy is the most important thing. Luc brings us a lot of positive things on the pitch and as long as he continues to perform like this, then naturally he will play.

What are you most proud of about the team?

It's that Barca can win today, we played with courage, played very actively, had the advantage and initiative in the game. Before the game, many people said that Real Madrid was popular, and even said that Real Madrid would beat Barca and play With Barca. But this is not the case, and Barca also have a chance to advance to the final.