FCBARCELONA.CAT

23.10.2009 13:54

“End of a cycle? Nonsense”

David Puig

Xavi Hernández has dismissed talk about an end of a cycle at FC Barcelona describing it as nonsense as well as celebrating the news that club captain Carles Puyol has reached an agreement to renew his contract with the club.

The midfield playmaker was adamant that the fact the team had been beaten in midweek by Rubin signalled anything other than a blip in the early part of the season for the Blaugrana. "End of a cycle? Who says so? Nonsense, that is just ridiculous. You cannot talk about a crisis or the end of a cycle after one defeat. The team is doing well and playing good football. Maybe we have not so well this week, but we are feeling fine and believe that we can continue on the same path."

Unfortunate result

Xavi then described the reverse against Rubin as an accident: "It was an unfortunate result," he said. "Normally those are games we win. We were superior and we created chances. The goal early on caused us to chase the game, but I think we played well and we did things as we should."

The Catalan star then spoke about the well-manned defences that Barça are facing in the majority of their games. "We find that this is the same every season," he explained. "Maybe the individual marking we experienced against Almería was surprising, but that is not what we are talking about. We have had that and we will have it again. I think that the team has many ways to overcome that though and do not see it as a problem."

Pleased for Puyi

Puyol's new deal, that will keep him at the club until 2013, has pleased Xavi. "It is excellent news that he has reached a deal to renew," he stated. "He is a example to us all and is the soul of the team and in the dressing room. I am very pleased for him and the team.

"Physically we are both fine, but I hope that we can retire together at Barça. We are two culés and we love the club. We are very happy here and it is a privilege to play here."

Favourite against Zaragoza

Looking ahead to the visit of Real Zaragoza on Sunday, Xavi explained: "They are a very physical team and are led by a very tactical coach. We will find a hard-working team, but I think we are the favourites because we are at home and we have to win."