FCBARCELONA.CAT

10.01.2008 14:40

Xavi: “Our performance was more practical than attractive”

Roger Bogunyà

It wasn’t Barça’s best performance of the season but a draw was a good result in the Sánchez Pizjuán. Xavi Hernández told reporters today: “Our performance was more practical than attractive”.

Xavi compared Wednesday night’s performance with Barça’s usual style: “It was more workmanlike with less possession of the ball”. He admitted than neither he nor Iniesta had participated as much as usual and that this had caused the team to play “without fluency or freshness”.

An important goal

Henry’s goal against Sevilla was the result of a fast counterattack, a tactic not normally associated with Rijkaard’s team: “That’s what we look for with fast players like Henry and Eto'o – we’re looking to surprise the defence”.

Xavi told reporters: “Henry is a very important player, capable of making the difference. His goal could qualify us”.

A 60% chance of qualifying

According to Xavi, Barça now has a 60% chance of making it through to the quarterfinals. However, he remains cautious about the second leg: “Sevilla can win on any ground and they’re in great physical shape”.

Lack of respect

When asked about the injuries to Ronaldinho and Deco, Xavi was highly critical of people who have cast doubt on their commitment: “We believe this is a lack of respect. It’s not logical to doubt their professionalism when there have been medical bulletins. They’re trying to recover as quickly as possible and we can’t allow people to doubt them”.