Barça head coach Xavi Hernández hopes that the doubts stirred in the first half can be addressed by the Spanish Super Cup, giving the team the momentum needed to compete at a high level in the second half of the season: “I hope this cup becomes a turning point that allows us to reconnect with the game.” The team had shown good form last season, lifting the trophy with standout football, which the Catalan manager credits to decisive moments and strong collective belief. The challenge ahead features a familiar face: Neymar, a player who understands Barça well and whose presence adds a layer of complexity to the upcoming clash.
Araujo: “We must be stronger in both areas”
The Barça coach is focused on performance rather than dreaming about the final. He has great respect for Osasuna and their manager Jagoba Arrasate, who was praised in the run-up to the match. “We cannot predict their exact approach, but we know they are a tough opponent with clear strategy. They attack the wings with vertical football and always make life difficult for us.”
The recipe is clear
Xavi lays out a straightforward plan for the semi-final: avoid mistakes. “We can’t give anything away. We must start strong, like we did in Barbastro, and then stay disciplined not to commit errors. We’ve found our rhythm again after regaining control in the second halves of games against Las Palmas, Almería, and Barbastro, but one lapse tomorrow can be punished.” He noted that he remained the favorite for the match against Osasuna on account of the other semi-finalists’ quality, even if the semi-final itself could hinge on small margins.
Both teams arrived ready to compete.
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One topic the Barça coach downplays is the recent stretch of dominant performances, such as a 5-0 victory over Antwerp on September 19, which has fueled talk of a long winning run by large margins. He says it is not an obsession. “Many games were won with clearer margins, and there were others where we could have done better. What matters is earning semi-final and final victories with minimal margins.”
During the press conference before the Super Cup semi-final, Xavi discussed the halftime talk with his players during the Almería match. “I think the players see in me a coach who builds confidence and relieves pressure. I enjoy speaking with them individually. The sense of family and unity remains intact,” the Catalan coach remarked, even celebrating the earlier setback against Real Madrid in the Super Cup semi-final as a learning moment. He believes the team has improved markedly since two years ago against the white club, and that maintaining balance and continuity will bring championships: “Many things have shifted positively, though the environment always seeks perfection. The team now understands positional play better and performs at a higher level.”
Pedri has more options than Cancelo
Xavi provided an update on the three players heading to Saudi Arabia. Pedri remains positive and could feature minutes against Osasuna, though Cancelo’s fitness remains uncertain and will depend on his feeling. Iñigo Martínez has been ruled out for a month after an injury suffered in Barbastro. In the latest practice sessions, Pedri trained with the group, while Cancelo worked separately.