It was difficult for Barça this afternoon in Montilivi, but in the end they came out on top to be more leaders thanks to a solitary goal from Pedri (0-1). After the match, Xavi Hernández explained that “we didn’t expect Girona to change their style and I’m satisfied with the victory in a difficult field but we also have to criticize ourselves”.
“We still don’t dare. We make the right pass, but not the final one. Barça must focus, nothing happens. I know we always talk about the DNA. We had the dominance, Girona gave it to us that has surprisingly changed his style of play. We didn’t expect it. We had to get out of the script and generate more. The first half hour of the second half is what we want. The goal and the win comes from the high pressure, too it’s important,” he said.
The Blaugrana coach commented on the setback with Dembélé’s injury in the first half: “More so in a game like this. We wanted to open up the field with wingers and we lose the most differential player in the one-on-one. Turns the plans upside down, but Jordi Alba it’s been really good. We feel very comfortable with four midfielders up top and the full-backs have to help.” Regarding Pedri, the goalscorer, he made the following assessment: “For us, he is a differential in the game. If Pedri adds assists and goals to all of this, we are talking about one of the best players in the world at 20 years old.”
After this triumph, Barça strengthens its leadership. “We are happy. We have to assess where we came from last year. We have made a very big change in many things. I am happy and satisfied with where we are. We are on the way”, he assured.
