Xavi: 'The pressure to win trophies is on me, and I accept that'

Xavi Hernández used the World Cup break to take some time out and recharge his batteries. It seems to have made him more enthusiastic than ever, and he comes across at utterly convinced that his ideas for the team are spot on for the season ahead.

And he is not fazed by the challenge. Quite the contrary, it's motivates him, as does the amazing support that the fans have shown towards him in his 13 months since arriving at Spotify Camp Nou. He sees the Barça of the future in players like Gavi, Pedri and Ansu, and has nothing but praise for Lewandowski.

The remainder of the season is upon us, and the Barça coach found time to speak to 'Barça Magazine’ and Barça TV about what it all means.

Standout quotes from the interview:

“I am aware that we need to win titles this season. The pressure is mainly on me. And I accept it. I thrive on challenge and one needs to be brave.”

“I told Mateu [Alemany] that we needn't meddle too much with the team. I'm very pleased with the squad we have, we have built up a nice family. I'm not sure if we can sign players because of the fair play thing, but in any case, I'm more than happy with the players I've got.”

“We weren't up to the required standard in the Champions League. We had a lot against us, refereeing errors, unfortunate injuries, but we also needed to be more mature at key moments.”

“We have a brave president, a great leader, who has very clear ideas about things. That boosts our confidence because he believes in our projects and the effort that we put into our ideas.”

“Andrés and me, when we were 18 and 20, were nowhere near the level of Gavi and Pedri right now.”

“Winning the league would bring so much stability to the club and the sports project.”

“The club was in the situation it was in when we got here and now we are looking to find ways to turn things around.”