FCBARCELONA.CAT

25.07.2008 15:03

Xavi: "The level of demand is very high"

Marc Guillén

Xavi Hernández joined the FC Barcelona squad in Scotland on Tuesday and has discovered that the team's system of play has been maintained but modernised by new coach Pep Guardiola because he has paid more attention to the details.

The Catalan midfielder enjoyed his first training session in midweek and has already had a taste of what is expected this term by the new coaching staff. "The level of demand is very high this season," he commented.

Same ideology

"Many things have changed this season with the change of coach being a big thing and means we work in a different way," he continued. "Despite the fact that the ideology is the same in regard to the style of play, the philosophy of training and gameplay is different. It is a more modern method that takes a lot more care of the details, which is good because the details are what makes the difference."

Free-kicks

When asked about who would become the free-kick taker in the team following the departure of Ronaldinho to Milan, Xavi said that he felt there were a number of players capable of doing that. "There are quite a few players qualified for it, for instance myself and Dani Alves can both take them," he stated. "It is something to talk to the coach about. It is still very soon, but we will see how things go. It is important though because historically Barça has scored a lot of goals from free-kicks."

Messi and the Olympics

Xavi would not be drawn on whether Lionel Messi should or should not go to the Olympic Games in Beijing and instead praised his team-mate. "It is very important for him to have a good pre-season before a campaign that will be very long," he explained. "To play in the Olympics is interesting, but the team also need him. It depends a bit on the player, on the Argentinian Football Association and on the club. If I were him I would do what my heart told me."

True professional

Samuel Eto'o is with the squad in Scotland and Xavi is pleased to see the striker still with the club. "I think he is doing well and working hard," he said. "His case also depends upon himself and the club and what they want to do. He is a player that can make the difference in a game and is always very good, even after his injuries. For us he is a very important player and an example of professionalism.