Xavi Hernández, the head coach of the Spanish football team Barcelona, confirmed that despite the current good period for the team, it can be described as a "tense calm" that requires the team to continue its winning streak. Xavi expressed his desire for the team to maintain its victories when facing a "good team" like Sevilla on Sunday. In the press conference ahead of the match against Sevilla, Xavi stated that the Catalan club cannot afford the departure of players like Gavi and Ronald Araújo.
He said, "Here at Barcelona, there are no quiet days. This is Barcelona. There are daily criticisms and judgments. There is a tense calm. We play a lot of matches. Tomorrow is another final; there is no calm anymore. I love this because I am fond of intense competition." Xavi further explained in statements reported by Europa Press on Saturday, "Our project is to work very well, but we will lose someday. This will bear fruit sooner or later. There will be criticisms."
He added, "The main objective is to qualify for the Champions League next season. We were in a very complicated situation when I took over the team in November, and we achieved exceptional results. The message is clear: do not let our players fall, do not give in to comfort. We must continue."
If Barcelona manages to overcome Sevilla, coached by former Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui, the team will move up to second place in the Spanish league standings. Xavi stated, "Tomorrow's match is another final for us. We have the opportunity to reach second place. We must reaffirm that we are in a good period. The team showed at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium its ability to compete with any team when we are at our best and solid."
