Xavi Hernández appears in the Clásico preview against Real Madrid. Referees and injuries, central axes of his press conference.
On Friday, ahead of the La Liga clash on matchday 11, the Barcelona coach spoke with a mix of humor and concern about the upcoming duel with Real Madrid. He downplayed the selection of Jesús Gil Manzano as the match referee and focused on the players who could return from injury for the big game.
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The match means a great deal. It is a classic that every player in the world wants to be part of. Barcelona arrives with good form, coming off two consecutive victories, feeling confident about their style and performance. A win would lift morale, boost confidence, and move the team closer to the league leaders. The coach praised the commitment and effort of the squad, expressing satisfaction with everyone’s contribution as the clash approaches.
Regarding the injured and the possible comeback, Xavi noted that he was pleasantly surprised to see some players training who had seemed unavailable previously. He added that the list of available players would be released tomorrow, and that the mood in the squad remains high as they push toward the classic.
About the lineup, Xavi chose not to reveal specific plans for the starting XI but commented on the situation of Lewandowski and Pedri. He stressed that the best players will take the field and that the coaching staff will not rush anyone back. Only those fully ready to compete will be chosen, and the team will avoid risking players who are not 100 percent ready for a high-stakes match.
Xavi’s remark about Gil Manzano
Perhaps the most pointed moment came when he was asked about the referee Jesús Gil Manzano for the Clásico. He joked that it might feel like a computer had identified a fair outcome, and he added that the aim is for the match to be as fair as possible. The remark reflected the reality that referees for top-tier matches in Spain are selected by the Technical Commission of Referees, a body within the national federation, rather than by chance or automation.
Under the applicable rules, a referee is assigned after considering factors such as experience and international exposure. Those decisions are made by a committee and technical structures within the federation, not by a simple lottery. Xavi’s quip pointed to the human element involved in appointing referees for classic encounters.
Gil Manzano’s history with Barça and Madrid
Throughout his career, Gil Manzano has officiated Madrid more often than Barcelona. In his Madrid assignments, Madrid has secured more wins, with a comfortable edge in some cases. In games he directed for Barça, the balance was closer but leaned less favorably toward the Catalan club. The referee has issued sanctions to several stars across both sides, including players from Barça and Madrid, and the overall penalty tally has shown more whistles for Madrid on balance in his career.
His decisions have left a mark on some classic moments, including a game where a controversial penalty claim involved Barcelona. Still, the overall record shows a mix of outcomes for both teams across his assignments.
Gil Manzano’s third classic appearance
Gil Manzano was set to take charge of his third Clásico. He first took charge of such a match in late 2014 and delivered a result that favored Real Madrid in a game played at the Bernabéu. In another notable meeting, Barcelona faced a challenging test at their training ground venue, with a late penalty appeal and a dismissal for a key Real Madrid midfielder in a famous clash from the seasons past. These memories contribute to the atmosphere surrounding his appointment and the expectations for the upcoming game.
From the Madrid side, fans recall his performance in a match at their training facility where a disputed call and a red card shaped the narrative. The balance of penalties and cautions across his Clásico assignments reflects a long history of high-tension encounters between these two heavyweight clubs.
Source: Goal