Barcelona coach Javi Hernandez defended his side after a goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano yesterday, Saturday, in the club’s first meeting in the Spanish league of the 2022/2023 season.
The Catalan club did not deliver what was expected of them in their first official appearance of the season, bolstering their position with big deals during this summer’s transfers, including Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, Brazilian Rafinho, Dane Andreas Christensen, Ivorian Frank Casey and Frenchman Jules Conde, in addition to extended the contract of the French winger Ousmane Dembele.
Xavi expressed his regret at not beating Vallecano at the post-match press conference, where he said, “Rao defended well, which made us do more than what was required. We wanted to show our fans that we are on the right track. I’m sad, but we ask for patience.”
And he added: “The expectations were high, but what we did was not enough. The goal this season is to win titles, and I’m not here to look for excuses.”
Xavi praised his goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen: “He was very good and I am happy for him. He saved us from defeat, so I have a lot of faith in him.”
And about Frenkie de Jong, who is likely to leave for Manchester United this summer, Xavi explained: “I repeat, De Jong is not a substitute, but an important player, and he will give us a lot.”
On the transfer market and the possibility of his team making another deal this summer, Xavi said: “The right front definitely needs to be strengthened and Lewandowski is happy because he works for the team.”
Source: www.gol.com