[News] Xavi Hernández: "Today Ferran will be the happiest uncle in the world"

[#Wittels-]

The Barcelona coach highlights the work of the Valencian striker and sends a message to Ansu Fati: "I decide based on what I see in the week"

The Camp Nou acted as an inflator for the self-esteem of its footballers. He encouraged Robert Lewandowski after the Pole erased an unmarked Raphinha from his view, then missed his shot at Oblak's goal. No ovation was as loud as the one he dedicated to Pedri on his return. Few applause, in any case, were as important for the Barça dressing room as those that the fans dedicated to Raphinha and Ferran Torres. The Brazilian left with the MVP of the match, while the former Valencia striker sealed the winning goal for Barca, fourth goal in the League, second in the last four duels.

 

"I don't know how much Ferran will need the goal," said Xavi Hernández. “But”, they added; “I know it is very important to him. He deserves it. I am especially happy for him. He always works, does not let his guard down and has confidence in him. He understands our game model quite well.” In the Sports City of Barcelona they were worried about Ferran Torres. After arriving at the Camp Nou in exchange for 55 million, plus variables -Barça has already paid 62.5 million to City-, Ferran Torres has been hanged the transfer sign. However, in the sports area he needs the Valencian to raise his level. "The better the season ends, the more options we have to recover the investment," says an employee of the Barcelona technical secretariat. But the dressing room does not look after the club's finances. Yes, on the other hand, they are pending the confidence of 11. “When he doesn't score he gets angry. I wasn't having a good time”, explains a teammate of the Valencian attacker.“Today Ferran will be the happiest uncle in the world”, Xavi highlighted. The Barça coach does not think the same of Lewandowski, who has scored three goals in the last 10 games. "Robert will be a bit sad not to score," said the Barcelona coach. It didn't take long, however, to remember the season of 9. “We must not forget that Lewandowski is the top scorer in the League with 17 goals. Imagine what the others are like," he insisted. Barça is detached from its rivals in the fight for the title -it takes 11 points from Real Madrid and 15 from Atlético-, at the same time that it recovers footballers. “Without detracting from the others, who have done an extraordinary job, it is evident that Frenkie and Pedri are differential in the way we want to play. The two improve what comes to them, that is what is difficult in football. I have more peace of mind when the ball reaches Pedri and De Jong”, explained the Barcelona coach.

 

With Pedri and De Jong recovered, Ferran Torres and Raphinha happy, and waiting for Dembélé, at Barcelona the present of Ansu Fati remains unknown. His past gave him Messi's 10, but his future looms far from the Camp Nou. The academy player has accumulated four goals in the League and this Sunday against Atlético, Xavi sent him onto the field with four minutes to go until the end of the duel. But there was one more message for Fati. “I decide by what I see in the week. It is very important how they train. That is why I have opted for Ferran", explained Xavi in reference to the ownership of Torres and the substitution of Fati. “I move by sensations. I must be a great coach because Ferran has been perfect for me", closed the Barca coach. Pampering for Ferran Torres, slap on the wrist for Ansu Fati.

 

Link: https://elpais.com/deportes/2023-04-23/xavi-hernandez-hoy-ferran-sera-el-tio-mas-contento-del-mundo.html