Xavi Hernández finished the Cup game very badly. Not only because of the elimination in extra time, which left out the current champion team, but also because of Ansu Fati’s injury, which points to a serious injury, and because of the bad image of the team against the Athletic’s intensity of play, which has taken a clear step back from the Super Cup match against Real Madrid.
With what feelings does the game end?
Honestly, Athletic has played a great game. We have tried in every way, but they have defended with great intensity, they have been much superior in duels, it has cost us, we have tried. We are out of the Cup. Hard days are coming because things are not working out for us. We are getting all tails and never heads. The results do not come, but you have to keep believing. It will cost us to digest this result. These are very difficult moments.
What conclusions do you draw from the defeat?
We have been able to play in their field and have the ball. You have to keep training and working.
How are Fati and Pedri?
Pedri doesn’t seem like anything important, but we’ll see Fati. He was very affected.
Have you seen the sunken team?
We have to recover because they are two hard blows, but we still have LaLiga and the EuropaLeague. We cannot lower our arms. It is a difficult day to digest for us.
Was it Alba’s penalty?
I am not going to assess whether it was Alba’s penalty or the work of the referee.
Has Dembélé’s loss affected you?
I do not think so. It’s a club theme and that’s it. I will not go into details now.
Will the club sign a left back?
Alba’s commitment is commendable, she has played with discomfort in her hamstrings.
