01.11.2008 22:51
Xavi: “We knew how to adapt”
Anna Segura
Xavi Hernàndez was man-of-the-match, scoring two of Barça’s four goals against Malaga. The Terrassa-born player praised his team’s ability to adapt to the hard playing conditions.
After the Malaga game, Xavi Hernàndez recognized that he didn’t remember scoring two goals in
a game since he played youth football. He thinks he’s now scoring goals because “the
forwards are leaving space”. Barça’s number 6 said: “I’m happy with the
result. The team knew how to adapt. The win was important despite the poor conditions”.
For Xavi, one of the keys to winning was “playing direct football and losing our
respect for our opponents”.
Messi:
“We knew it would be a tough game because of the state of the pitch. It’s
important that we won, today more than ever”.
“We weren’t able to play our game. We had to play in a way we’re not used
to, but it turned out well”.
“We fought the way we had to”.
Iniesta:
“They are three important points because of the state of the pitch”.
“We have to keep up this dynamic”.
“The football is not so good with a pitch like that – you have to look for other
options”.
“I tried to do my work, and then Henry came on. We played two upfront”.
“We now have a home game, and we have to keep up the good run”.
Valdes:
“It was a hard game, with the pitch in that state the ball didn’t roll well.
That’s why we played direct football”.
“It’s difficult to play in the rain and mud”.
Eto’o:
“We have to fight in every game, but tonight we suffered because it was so difficult to
play in our usual way”.