FC Barcelona
“Xavi is evolving very well,” says the Barça president, who affirms that Sergi Barjuan will sit on the bench in Kiev on Tuesday
«Xavi is in a very interesting process, evolving very well. I have very good references from people who know him more than I do. I speak with Xavi often and have a friendly relationship. We speak as two people who appreciate each other and my opinion of him is very good, “said Joan Laporta this Friday at the press conference presenting Sergi Barjuan as interim Barça coach before the arrival of the current Qatari Al-Sadd coach. Xavi Hernández will become Barça coach after the dismissal of Ronald Koeman, but it will be Sergi, from the Barça subsidiary, who will sit on the bench this Saturday against Alavés and also next Tuesday in Kiev against Dinamo, as recognized by the Barça president .
Although Laporta assured that “there are several options” to lead Barcelona, it will be Xavi Hernández who will occupy the position this season when the negotiations are successfully completed, “in the short-medium term.” «I always said that Xavi would one day coach Barça. I trust the people around me and they follow their evolution and other coaches to see if they are the right ones for this Barça team. We’ll see how everything evolves, “he added, without wanting to reveal the course of the negotiations with the legendary former Barça midfielder.
While Xavi arrives next month after the break for the national team matches, it is Sergi who takes charge of the team “at a difficult time.” «The important game we have is Alavés this Saturday. The League is open and we will fight for it. On Tuesday in Kiev in principle who will be sitting on the bench is Sergi, “said Laporta, who acknowledged that” the decision to dismiss Koeman came late. «I think that in fairness I did what I could to give him a margin. Now at this point I think I should have done it before. Koeman deserved a margin; it was justice and respect, ”insisted who recently estimated that Xavi was still very green to be a Barcelona coach.
“The change in the bench has occurred because the results have not accompanied and therefore Koeman has not followed. The situation was unsustainable and if it had continued it would have caused a significant reduction in our aspirations, fighting to win titles. It is not easy, but we are alive in the League and in the Champions League, “he recalled.
Koeman’s settlement “goes well”
Regarding the settlement to Koeman, who will have to receive 12 million euros net for his dismissal, Laporta does not believe that there are problems. The relationship with Koeman is fine. You have seen our effort when it comes to giving a margin of confidence. He said he understood it and it is the law of soccer. The termination is going well, because we will respect the rights of both parties and we want him to be satisfied, “he commented.
Sergi Barjuan arrives as a “temporary” shock and his desire is “to return joy to the squad.” «I want the players to go to the field to enjoy themselves. The whole challenge is for them. They have already shown what they are and that they know how to compete. Keep in mind that tomorrow you have to use all resources to win. The League is open and you have to win the points at home. If we recover the verticality, the injured and the idea of football, it will help us to achieve our goals, “said the Catalan coach.
«This is easier with players of the quality of those of Barcelona. The idea is to try to plug them all in. Not just players; we must all be united. We need the help of everyone who comes to see us. The way you play will not change, as the players are the same. What we will change will be some tactical details, “he admitted.
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