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NEWS | Supercopa
10 January 2024

Xavi Hernández: "We want to find our rhythm in this tournament"

Barcelona captain Ronald Araújo underlines the importance of the Spanish Super Cup for Barcelona: "Last year, it was a turning point in our season".

Almost a year after winning his first title as FC Barcelona coach in Riyadh, Xavi Hernández appeared at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday on the eve of the second semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup, where the Catalans are to play against CA Osasuna at Al-Awwal Park stadium.

The coach, who is the reigning champion of the tournament, hopes to "repeat the success of last season, because that would give us a morale boost, confidence and would be just the ticket we need to find consistency in our performance".

On the other hand, Xavi confesses that they are aware of what their opponents bring to the table, saying "we know that Osasuna are a difficult opponent regardless of their approach. They are a team who play direct football and have a very clear gameplan. We have a lot of respect for them".

Despite this, the Barcelona coach accepts that "we are favourites in the match against Osasuna, although not for the tournament. Jagoba Arrasate is doing a wonderful job. We have a lot of respect for Osasuna and for us there are no titles that are less important. All the titles count and we have to look to find our form during this Super Cup. We have to take it step by step". With this objective in mind, the manager from Tarrasa (Catalonia) declares that he "has full confidence in the players. They have shown they are up to the task at important moments. The team is ready to compete and do great things in the Super Cup".

Minutes before his coach spoke, captain Ronald Araújo insisted on the importance of this tournament for Barcelona, explaining "last year winning the Super Cup was a turning point in our season and it is an important title for the club".

 

As one of the captains of the azulgrana team, the Uruguayan defender also acknowledged in the press conference that he understands "the responsibility that wearing the captain's armband for this club brings. It's a privilege", concluded the player in response to the journalists.

Minutes after the press conference, Xavi Hernández led his team's last pre-match training session at the Príncipe Faisal facilities in the lead up to a semi-final which could see FC Barcelona potentially welcome a fit again Pedri back into the fold. While giving injury updates, the coach also ruled out the return of defender Íñigo Martínez for Thursday's game against CA Osasuna due to injury.