decisive days for barça. these are decisive days for xavi as well, and january still has plenty to offer. after a solid sequence in the league, barça heads to sevilla to face betis at benito villamarín this sunday. they will push hard in the copa del rey as well, traveling to bilbao on wednesday to meet athletic, valverde’s energetic side that recently climbed into the champions zone.
it will leave its mark on what lies ahead. there is a lot on the table. betis are very strong at home and athletic are among the most in form teams, the barça coach acknowledged, noting that the last two cup visits to san mamés ended in knockouts for the team.
there is a noted lack of positivity at times, yet the intention is to counterbalance that. a sense of building from the ground up was evident when the squad featured 13 academy players in the latest match. players aged 16, 17 and 18 years were on the field, underscoring the idea that construction is in progress. pau cubarsí, still just 16, made his debut as a central defender and performed with responsibility and personality under pressure, according to the coach.
there is also a candid admission about the atmosphere. the environment is not always positive, but the belief is that effort can change that. barça will travel to sevilla to face a city rival where neither atleti nor real madrid nor girona have secured a win in league play this season. the goal is to begin the second half of the campaign with renewed energy and a belief that the gap to the top can be narrowed through strong performance and disciplined play.
barça’s defensive line has shown solidity, and the pressing is intense. there is a clear emphasis on strategy, avoiding goals against, and scoring from set pieces whenever possible. the coach spoke about the mental side of the game, acknowledging moments of despair when plans did not come together but insisting that the players must keep trying. he described the process as a long arc of development, with talent required to align with timing and execution.
there is a recurring reflection on rust and time versus talent. the coach admits that some moments looked promising but did not materialize, leaving spirits momentarily down. the belief remains that patience and continued effort will yield the desired results as the team matures and gains consistency on the field.
if a victory in sevilla is achieved, it would carry momentum into san mamés and set a favorable tone for the rest of the season. the aim is to move forward step by step, rejoining the league race with a steady, earnest approach. rotations are expected in the starting eleven as the squad balances fatigue with performance needs.
there is a notable emphasis on management of the squad. fatigue is acknowledged, and it is clear that every available player will be needed as the pursuit for all competitions intensifies. while keeping an eye on cup duties, the focus remains on league and cup progress and on maintaining a competitive edge through a disciplined, united approach.
there is a message that the team must keep pushing. the motivation is high, and the desire to compete across all fronts remains strong. there are no excuses, only a plan to perform at the highest level and to make the most of every opportunity that arises on the road to success.
in discussions about new and returning players, the head coach noted that a recent minor issue would not sideline important contributions. the player is expected to be involved when fit, and the team relies on a blend of veterans and younger talents to bring energy and depth. the coach pointed to the value of the trio of leaders who shape the team’s identity, while also highlighting the need for continuity and resilience from newer faces who continue to earn their place.
there was praise for ferran torres, whose hundredth appearance in seville was marked by a display that underscored his mental strength and commitment. the coach highlighted how the culture at barça can be tough, but it also demands mental fortitude and leadership. torres was recognized for meeting that standard, demonstrating the mindset expected of a barça player.
as the season progresses, the coach remains optimistic about the possibility of lifting the league title. while madrid and girona sit in a position that requires attention, the belief is clear: with disciplined performance and unwavering effort, barça can close the gap and compete for the championship. the focus is on minimizing mistakes, maintaining concentration, and elevating intensity in every match.
“every day here there is pressure, but it is part of barça”, the coach said, speaking about the environment. the aim is to keep pushing, keep improving, and honor the club’s demanding standards as the team eyes a strong finish to the campaign.
in closing remarks, the coach reiterated a firm commitment to competing for all tournaments remaining on the table. the message is straightforward: the squad will continue to work hard and pursue excellence across every competition, with a focus on consistency, resilience, and a relentless drive to succeed.