THE BARÇA SUFFERED IN SAN MAMÉS
Controversies, Gil Manzano's role, suffering... Xavi analyzes Barça's hard-fought triumph
Xavi Hernández has not been completely satisfied with the performance of FC Barcelona in San Mamés. Despite the fact that the victory gives the Catalans significant peace of mind, he has pointed out that there are many aspects to improve for the Clásico
The FC Barcelona knew that the visit to the Athletic Club was a final anticipated in LaLiga and that, if they failed, could put in a lot of problems by the Classical that contests the next week. The ones of Xavi Hernández have done the works in a Saint Mamés that exploded against of the Barcelona with a rain of notes of "mafia" and that left clear in which position are regarding the 'case Negreira'. The environment has been complicated, without space for the break and one that forced to the Barça to resist until winning.
It is not a novelty that this Barça credit to the suffering. It has remained clear in the last parties and, with an Athletic that devoted to look for the victory until the last second, did not go to be different. The Barcelona relaxed more than the account in the second half and, instead of looking for the goal that closed the party, finished defending the constant approaches of the 'lions'. Between the intervention of the VAR and the imponente performance of Marc-André ter Stegen, the damages did not happen to greater, but yes remains the obligation that the culés step advance. Like this it has said it Xavi Hernández.
Xavi, appreciated with the result but inconforme with the game
In room of press, Xavi Hernández has analysed the victory of the Barça in front of the Athletic and, although it is appreciated by the victory that gives them back the advantage of nine points on the Real Madrid, to a week of the Classical that it can begin to define LaLiga, has gone back to leave clear that his team is suffering more than the account in this stretch of the season. "Again it has happened us the same, have been 75 minutes to a good level. In Saint Mamés finish suffering, hanged balloons, strategy.... 1-0 it does you suffer. It is a victory of gold, keep the 9 points. We face the Classical with confidence", began saying.
The trainer egarense is conscious of the importance of the triumph in Saint Mamés: "they Are three points importantísimos. But it is necessary to improve especially in the offensive game. We have deserved us the victory. Marc is extraordinary. We are solidarios", standing out afterwards the pressure of the Real Madrid and the Classical of the Sunday: "We also have pressure, play home and want to win LaLiga. I have said them that today it was a final, and have put us the monkey of work. We have had personality. Robert has been important. The victory is of character and vital for the future in LaLiga".
It has complained, again, of the inability of his team to close the early parties to avoid the suffering: "we Have had two or three clear occasions. Ansu, Robert, Balde... It is necessary to sentence the party. But it is important the defensive solvency. It is necessary to improve and have more calm and patience when you go by in front. It is necessary to have more command and control".
The controversies in Saint Mamés... And the VAR
In the Athletic-Barça, Gil Manzano and the VAR had to take part in two opportunities, to validate the goal of Raphinha and, in the closing of the party, to cancel the goal of the Atlhletic by hands of Muniain in the beginning of the played. Xavi has been questioned in this regard and ensured that "they are very clear hands of Muniain. We trust the referee, never have had the feeling that have won by the referees. I have not seen the hands, thought that it was offside, that was not. I have seen the monitor afterwards, and yes, if they were hands".
On the other hand, also it referred to the protest of the fans in Saint Mamés by the 'case Negreira': "it surprises Me the environment of hostility of Saint Mamés and saddens me. Judge ahead of time is not good for the society. Each one is free. I respect the opinions, the public is sovereign. We are judging ahead of time. And it saddens me. I do not have to add at all more. We have not spoken in the changing room, are for winning. The people leaves the field. The another is of the club. We centre us in playing to the football, are professional".
