level 14

Xavi Hernández has been the first player to speak at a press conference this season. Barça’s ’6′ began by stating that he is feeling fine and he explained why he is doing specific work away from the group in training: “I have a bit of discomfort in my heel and last year I suffered with my achilles tendon, so it’s better for me to work away from the main group.” The footballer expressed his hope to soon join the rest his teammates.Regarding the ambitions of the team, Xavi commented that they would aim to win the maximum number of titles possible. He also explained that the Super Cup is the first title to fight for, but that there will be “more titles that are more important” than this. However, Xavi did say that he Spanish Super Cup will be a nice challenge: “The Spanish Super Cup is a nice title [to contest] and against our eternal rival. It makes us excited, even more so being against Madrid.”
The cerebral midfielder was unwilling to predict a League again dominated by just two (with Barça and Real Madrid sitting above the rest). “In football it’s not good to make predictions. Málaga has strengthened well and there are other competitive teams: Villarreal, Sevilla, Atlético…We’ll see if there is more competition.”
Speaking about his comments made at his summer campus a week ago, Xavi explained that he was only thinking about what was best for Cesc and the Club: “I’m sorry, my intention was not to offend Wenger nor Arsenal,” lamented the midfielder. “Obviously he is an Arsenal player and has a contract [with them].”
Xavi is satisfied with the promotion of Fontàs and Thiago, whom he considers to be players very prepared to play with the first team. Speaking of the number of players who feature in the center of the pitch, the player from Terrassa stated that “the more players there are that can play in midfield the better because the season is long. We are all compatible.” Having said this, Xavi doesn’t feel that the squad size too small: “The mister wants it this way and we also have players in the reserves who are very prepared.”
Responding to questions about Messi’s performances for Argentina, Xavi was clear: “I don’t believe that Messi without Xavi means less Messi. Everything is very equal today and football is becoming increasingly more physical.” Besides, Xavi noted that the good state of the pitch influences the spectacle: “For football it is essential that the pitch is good.”
And on the criticism of Messi from Argentina, Xavi said that “they seem to me exaggerated because despite the misfortune of being eliminated, Messi had an exceptional Copa America.”