Xavi Hernandez Expresses Confidence in “Alternatives” to Fill in for Injured Pedri

Barcelona’s coach, Xavi Hernandez, shared his thoughts ahead of the match against Villarreal, addressing the challenge of playing without the injured Pedri. Xavi expressed his sadness about Pedri’s injury and acknowledged the young player’s dedication to improving his fitness.

Xavi emphasized that despite Pedri’s absence, the team’s overall approach won’t undergo major changes for the match. He mentioned the availability of alternatives like Gundogan, Fermin, Sergi Roberto, Gavi, De Jong, Oriol Romeu, and even young talent Marc Casado, who could contribute in Pedri’s absence.

Regarding players like Abde and Ferran Torres, who desire more playing time, Xavi stressed that the focus should be on the team’s collective effort rather than individual roles. He pointed out the importance of the substitutes in the recent victory against Cadiz.

Xavi confirmed that Alejandro Balde’s minor discomfort won’t hinder his availability for the match. He also noted that both left-back options, including newly registered Marcos Alonso, will be ready for the game against Villarreal.

In terms of strategy against Villarreal, Xavi highlighted the need to control possession, apply pressure on the opponent’s defense, and win back the ball in their half. He mentioned the significance of having possession to execute their game plan effectively.

Xavi refrained from delving into referee-related issues but suggested that increased transparency in refereeing discussions could be beneficial. He expressed his desire for more insight into referees’ decisions to enhance understanding and fairness in the game.