25.07.2008 15:03
Xavi: "The level of demand is very high"
Marc Guillén
Xavi Hernández joined the FC Barcelona squad in Scotland on Tuesday and has discovered that the team's system of play has been maintained but modernised by new coach Pep Guardiola because he has paid more attention to the details.
The Catalan midfielder enjoyed his first training session in midweek and has already had a taste of
what is expected this term by the new coaching staff. "The level of demand is very high this
season," he commented.
Same ideology
"Many things have changed this season with the change of coach being a big thing and means we
work in a different way," he continued. "Despite the fact that the ideology is the same in regard
to the style of play, the philosophy of training and gameplay is different. It is a more modern
method that takes a lot more care of the details, which is good because the details are what makes
the difference."
Free-kicks
When asked about who would become the free-kick taker in the team
following the departure of Ronaldinho to Milan, Xavi said that he felt there were a number of
players capable of doing that. "There are quite a few players qualified for it, for instance myself
and Dani Alves can both take them," he stated. "It is something to talk to the coach about. It is
still very soon, but we will see how things go. It is important though because historically Barça
has scored a lot of goals from free-kicks."
Messi and the Olympics
Xavi would not be drawn on whether Lionel Messi should or should not go to the Olympic Games
in Beijing and instead praised his team-mate. "It is very important for him to have a good
pre-season before a campaign that will be very long," he explained. "To play in the Olympics is
interesting, but the team also need him. It depends a bit on the player, on the Argentinian
Football Association and on the club. If I were him I would do what my heart told me."
True professional
Samuel Eto'o is with the squad in Scotland and Xavi is pleased to see the striker still with
the club. "I think he is doing well and working hard," he said. "His case also depends upon himself
and the club and what they want to do. He is a player that can make the difference in a game and is
always very good, even after his injuries. For us he is a very important player and an example of
professionalism.