FCBARCELONA.CAT

04.08.2007 08:36

Xavi likes the extra motivation

David Saura

Xavi Hernández believes that he has seen extra motivation in the squad during the first two weeks of pre-season and that everyone is conscious of the disappointment from last term.

The 2006-07 campaign ended without a major trophy and the Barça midfielder does not want that to happen again and thinks that the squad's attitude in training had reflected that. "Everyone is ready to go after a season when we were not always at our best," he said. "The players are pushing themselves in training and excited to be back in action and looking to create good foundations."

Physical preparation

Despite the usual problem of acclimatisation and adjusting to a new routine, Xavi stated that "the tour this year is special, because we have so many challenges after how things evenutally turned out last season". The Terrassa-born playmaker is hopeful that jetlag and the humidity in Beijing will become positive elements for the squad: "They must help us because we are used to this and we will continue to prepare ourselves physically," he added.

Praise for Touré

Reflecting upon the arrival at the club of Touré Yaya, Xavi has been impressed with the new midfielder's impact since he joined the club from AS Monaco last month. "He is a player that gives the team balance and protects the midfield," he explained. Yaya appeared in both games in Scotland and Xavi said that he felt "a good sensation" playing next to the Ivory Coast star. Apart from his obvious strength, Xavi also believes that Yaya "uses the ball well and keeps the game fluid and he is not only a physical player".

No decisions made

Xavi may have started in both the games against Dundee United and Hearts in pre-season, but he still believes it is too early to make predictions. "At the moment there is not a starting team and substitutes," he said, before explaining that it is good for the players to know what the starting side is to allow them to work tactically, but that a large squad is needed as the club will have to play at weekends and in midweek.

Finally, Xavi talked about the new internal code of conduct and said that only when all the players are back in training will things be said. "There are quite a few players still missing," he added.