Xavi Speaks On FC Barcelona Exits, Haaland, Dembele And Club’s Financial Predicament

FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has spoken on player exits and the club’s financial predicament ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Celta Vigo in La Liga.

On the opposition at Camp Nou tomorrow, Xavi said that Eduardo Coudet’s men are a “good test for us” and a “very good team” with an “offensive soul”.

“We are already in the Champions League, and that objective is covered,” Xavi added. [But] we have the second place [to secure].”

On buying new players in the summer, Xavi stressed that it is “important to strengthen yourself every year, and even more so if you lose”.

“This year is not positive and we have to reinforce ourselves. All who come will be welcome. [But] people have to leave [too],” Xavi highlighted. “The situation is not easy, it is one of the most difficult in the history of the club. But we have to strengthen ourselves. It is evident and everyone has seen it.”

“We have made a football diagnosis,” Xavi revealed. “[But] then there is the economic [factor]. We are very clear about what we want for next year and we will try to do everything that can be done.”

Asked if one time target Erling Haaland will choose money over the quality of the sporting project by opting for Manchester City, Xavi wouldn’t “say that much”.

“Ours is not the only valid project. City has tremendous baggage. If what you are saying happens, it will be because of the financial issue,” he suggested as per Barca’s debts of around $1.5 bn.

“To Munich? I have been several times,” Xavi confirmed, as per a meeting he allegedly had with Haaland there.

On player exits in pre-season, Xavi said that he and his staff have them “quite clear”. “It is difficult to change the opinion we have. I have things clear with the players. Then we will see what we can do because of the economic situation [that] marks us. If you don’t have money, you still have to act in another way. It’s obvious, we depend on money,” Xavi commented.

Regarding Ousmane Dembele, who is a free agent on June 30, Xavi said the club already knows that the coach wants the winger to stay.

“He has helped us and, if he stays and renews, he will help us [again]. He already has done this season,” Xavi finished on this.