Barça's Xavi: "There's always criticism, but we have beaten a great team"

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández said it was logical that his team had to suffer to hold on for a 1-0 win over Atlético Madrid on Sunday. He reminded Movistar that "we faced a great team" and that the victory "is crucial" for the league as Barça moved back 11 points clear of Real Madrid.

Xavi pointed out that "we dominated, we had the second goal there for peace of mind but we did not take advantage of clear chances, which is why we suffered so much. It was a good game overall and I think we deserved to win by more than one goal."

Despite that, he added that "it doesn't bother me to win 1-0, not scoring more is part of the players' success and effectiveness."

Atlético had several chances and the coach acknowledged that "normally we don't concede that much," but at the same time he insisted on the value of beating the Rojiblancos: "They haven't lost since January, against us at the Metropolitano, and the victory is crucial."

The tight result can lead to some debate, something that does not worry Xavi because "there is always criticism, it's normal after a 1-0, this is Barça." The coach reiterated that "we wanted to win in front of the fans, who have supported us. We played against Atlético, which is always complicated."

Returns

Of individual names, Xavi made a quick analysis. "Frenkie de Jong has been very comfortable, Pedri changes the face of the team when he comes on, I feel more calm when Frenkie and Pedri are there, Ferran has been very good in his position, Marcos (Alonso) has also done very well in a position that is not his. It was a team effort, we were united."

Robert Lewandowski was unlucky again in front of goal, although Xavi relativised it as "it's a question of success, just as he had it for a large part of the season, now it's not happening, but the goals will come."

The coach recalled that "Lewandowski is the top scorer in the league with 17 goals, today maybe Ferran will be the happiest player in the world, but that's what happens with strikers."

Raphinha & Ferran

In the press conference afterward, he also referred to Raphinha of whom "he said he did an extraordinary job, like Ferran with his turns in defence, we had to match their full-backs. We played the game well. When Pedri came on he gave us calm, he improved what we had. Frenkie too. It's one more step towards the title."

Xavi expanded on Ferran: "I'm especially happy because he works hard. He has understood what he had to do almost as an inside player and he's been picking up space. His work is always the same and this is very important for a coach."

Ter Stegen

On Ter Stegen, he commented that "he is one of the three best goalkeepers in the world. And for the way we want to play, he is the best. He is decisive with his footwork and extraordinary in goal. He is a guarantee. The defence has improved a lot, with a high line. The high pressure after losses has been important."

As for the league, he said that "the outlook is exciting, but nothing is set in stone. We play on Wednesday against another great team in Rayo Vallecano."

Of the celebrations, he said that "it's normal after a victory like this, but if they feel like champions, we'll remind them that we're not."