Xavi Hernandez believes Barcelona are going well despite labouring to victory over Almeria this weekend.
The veteran midfielder was speaking at an event to launch a December football camp in Cairo and when asked by reporters about the current state of the team, Xavi was positive despite the struggle on Saturday.
“Every game must be analysed differently. Against Almeria we didn’t find the fluency to open the defence. We didn’t play our best football,” he admitted, AS reports.
“Against Ajax, though, I think we had a good match. There’s always an opponent complicating things for you. The goal is to win and play well and I think we’re on the right track.
“We follow the same philosophy of playing, even if the opponent presses us high up and uses a more direct style. We have to adapt to the opponent.
“I don’t know how long until we see the best version of Barca but I hope it’s soon. I think there are games in which we’ve played well.”
Xavi also offered his support to Gerard Pique and Luis Enrique, dismissing suggestions there is a lack of confidence in the Coach.
“Pique is important. The Coach decides who plays and who doesn’t. He looks good to me,” Xavi said of his teammate.
“Enrique is a Coach with very clear ideas. He’s a quiet person and capable of meeting great challenges this season.
“Do I have confidence in him? A resounding yes.
“I always want to play every minute but I’m happy. I feel useful. I never thought at any time about leaving Barca.
“I talk to colleagues who have retired from football and they miss it a lot, so I will improve my fitness as much as possible.”
Asked to compare the current Real Madrid side and the Barca team assembled by Pep Guardiola, Xavi declined to get involved in that debate.
He also welcomed the unofficial vote on Catalan independence that was held on Sunday, without endorsing either side.
“I don’t like comparisons. Madrid are strong, as always, and the rest of the League follows them,” he noted.
“The vote was a step so that there can be consultation and democracy.”
