Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona
La Liga
Wednesday
26th April 2023
Campo de Futbol de Vallecas
Andreas Christensen and Ousmane Dembélé are approaching their return to Barcelona. Xavi announced this on Tuesday during his press talk in the run-up to the competition match with Rayo Vallecano. In the run-up to Wednesday’s game, the nickname of the trainer in Madrid was also discussed.
Xavi laughs at nickname in Madrid: “Better that than anything else”
Xavi has been known as El Jardinero (The Gardener) in the Spanish capital since he complained about the state of Getafe’s turf a week and a half ago. The club from Madrid then poked fun at the Barça coach, especially since he also included the bright sunshine in his account.
El Jardinero: “I will not stop until football is fairer”
Xavi can see the humor in the fact that he has acquired a nickname in the Spanish capital. “I can laugh about it. Better that than anything else,” he said. “They may continue to call me that for many years to come, but I will not stop until football is fairer.”
Xavi hopes the field will be in better shape on Wednesday evening when Barça visit Madrid again, this time to Rayo Vallecano. The Spanish former international takes the game against the number nine of La Liga very seriously, because he still does not take the national title for granted.
Xavi agrees that Real Madrid are not far behind Barcelona in terms of quality
The lead on Real Madrid is reassuringly large with eleven points. Real coach Carlo Ancelotti stated that the gap is larger than the actual difference in quality. The former midfielder said, “I agree with Ancelotti, he is absolutely right. I take it as a compliment, it means we are doing something right in La Liga.”
Christensen and Dembele will miss out
Barcelona cannot yet rely on Christensen and Dembele. Xavi expects the Danish defender and French winger to return against Real Betis on Saturday. “There is no reason to worry, they will be back on Saturday,” said the Barcelona coach, who already has Frenkie de Jong and Pedri back.
