10.01.2008 14:40
Xavi: “Our performance was more practical than attractive”
Roger Bogunyà
It wasn’t Barça’s best performance of the season but a draw was a good result in the Sánchez Pizjuán. Xavi Hernández told reporters today: “Our performance was more practical than attractive”.
Xavi compared Wednesday night’s performance with Barça’s usual style: “It was
more workmanlike with less possession of the ball”. He admitted than neither he nor Iniesta
had participated as much as usual and that this had caused the team to play “without fluency
or freshness”.
An important goal
Henry’s goal against Sevilla was the result of a fast counterattack, a tactic not
normally associated with Rijkaard’s team: “That’s what we look for with fast
players like Henry and Eto'o – we’re looking to surprise the defence”.
Xavi told reporters: “Henry is a very important player, capable of making the
difference. His goal could qualify us”.
A 60% chance of qualifying
According to Xavi, Barça now has a 60% chance of making it through to
the quarterfinals. However, he remains cautious about the second leg: “Sevilla can win on any
ground and they’re in great physical shape”.
Lack of respect
When asked about the injuries to Ronaldinho and Deco, Xavi was highly critical of people who
have cast doubt on their commitment: “We believe this is a lack of respect. It’s not
logical to doubt their professionalism when there have been medical bulletins. They’re trying
to recover as quickly as possible and we can’t allow people to doubt them”.