Xavi: “The players deserve it”

Xavi Hernandez gave great value to the three points obtained in the Mestalla -“in the end they also count”, he said in a conversation with Joan Laporta- and highlighted, above all, that “the players deserve it, because they worked hard. is three points very important”. He emphasized that in recent weeks “a lot of things have happened to us, a lot of negativity, and they deserve such joy.” He said that Eric and Koundé had no, in principle, serious injuries , but was replaced as a precaution due to discomfort.

The coach explained, regarding the match, that “we played a little of anxiety We were somewhat affected by the Champions issue. We did well in the game, we dominated, but after three quarters the decision-making became bad and it became a result of anxiety”. He admitted that “we must be decisive.” The conclusion is “I am happy for the victory, the players deserve it”.

He concluded that “the party does not have much history, Valencia he defended himself well. You have to improve in the final third, where the talent should emerge.”

“Finish well before the World Cup”

Regarding the importance of the three points, he explained that “the team deserves it. It gives us confidence and morale, we become leaders, with another party. We want to finish well (before the World Cup), as much as possible, and put pressure on Madrid.

He said, ironically, that “when Lewandowski scored, because of the dynamics we have, I thought they might cancel it for offside”. And he confirmed the work done in recent months: “It could be a tie and it would be drama. And that’s not it the result is that we are handsome or ugly and that’s not it: I think we have improved, I believe in the game, but we still have to keep improving”. He reiterated that “I think the team has improved a lot”.

As for Koundé and Eric, explained that “they already did a tremendous effort. It doesn’t seem like an injury, their discomfort is too strong, I hope it’s not an injury”. And he said that “there is a very strong commitment, they want to participate despite the proximity of the World Cup.”

Regarding the situation of Piqué, who is not yet ready to go out, he explained that “his socks and shin guards are missing, that’s all. He’s not warming up because we didn’t plan for that change.”

and explained, about your conversation with Laporta at the end of the game, who “said that these points are very important, that they are also worth it”.

positively highlighted Mestalla atmosphere: “The public is sovereign, we saw when we arrived that it would be difficult”. And about accepting Ferran, that “they don’t forgive him for leaving.” And it is clear about the card to Marcos, who from Valencia asked to be expelled: “In my opinion, it is not red.”