Jordi Alba exclusive: The team is with coach Xavi Hernandez 100 percent
The Barcelona defender spoke to SPORT before joining up with the Spain camp
Jordi Alba has analysed his situation at Barcelona in an exclusive interview with SPORT before joining the Spain team for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
The man from l'Hospitalet talked about how he lost prominence at Camp Nou and how he is managing to recover, as well as the 'supposed' offer from Inter.
Alba is going to the World Cup after gradually reversing his situation at Barça and winning his place back in the team. “I don't focus on whether it's unfair or fair. It's different from other years, but I take it on with great enthusiasm, I feel ready to play”, he says.
There are three names that are key: Xavi Hernández, Joan Laporta and Mateu Alemany. On the coach, Alba acknowledges that “now it's a different relationship. Xavi is the boss and you have to respect his decisions. What I can tell you is that the team is with the coach 100%, we are very close."
On the president, Jordi comments that “in the end, the club rules, they after their interests. My relationship with the president (Laporta) has always been good. He is a massive Barça fan, I am too, we are men who like to go toe-to-toe, we are spontaneous and I have great respect for him.”
As for the director of football, who "has his job and will look out for the good of the club, of course, just as I will also look out for the good of the club and the team."
Inter? Alba's response: “I was never told anything about that offer or any other. It didn't hurt me because many things are talked about and whoever knows me knows that my intention is to stay here for many years, as long as I can perform at the highest level.
"When I cannot, I will be the first to leave, but mentally and physically I feel very good and as long as that is the case, I will be here."
So Alba's intention is to fulfill his contract, which expires in 2024. He feels "very loved by the fans, they know that I am from the club and that I give everything."
He highlights that "there is a very good and united dressing room" and, regarding the salary reduction, he affirms that “I have always helped the club when they have asked me, now they have not. No one can say otherwise and in this sense, I am very calm.”
