Xavi Hernandez appeared before the press one day following Eintracht-FC Barcelona and got ‘wet’ regarding the long-awaited renewal of Ronald Araújo. The man from Egar took his continuity for granted and celebrated it without hesitation. “For us it is a guarantee to be able to count on him. Barça has a central defender for 10 years or more. He is improving. The key has been him. He is very happy at Barça, I am delighted with him. He is a hard worker, very self-sacrificing and he is a great person. His decision has been to stay at Barça and I think he’s right“, he highlighted.
On the other hand, the coach also spoke regarding the advances in the extension of Ousmane Dembélé and made it clear that his continuity, like that of other players, is essential for his project. “The club is working on renewing him. Hopefully we can count on him, we are a better team with Ousmanewith Ronald, with Gavi… if we can get them to continue, we will have a better squad,” he said.
In light of all the pending negotiations at Barcelona, Xavi admitted that he hopes everything will be resolved and insisted on how important ‘Dembouz’ is for him. “In the end it is a negotiation, we are also in Ronald’s, which is half closed, there is Gavi’s, Ousmane’s, Sergi Roberto’s… The club knows my priorities in the sports section and hopefully he can stay. Well worked, he can be one of the best in his position. There are very few with Ousmane’s conditions”, he commented.
The journalists continued with the ‘Dembélé case’ and the Blaugrana coach, although he clarified that the ‘7’ is key for him, the economic situation of the club is what will mark the way. “I don’t know what else to say. I hope he stays. I’d sign it already. But the club is not in the best financial situation and it is necessary to adjust. Ousmane is one of the best players on the wing, he has that ability to overwhelm”, he analyzed.
To close the folder on Vernon’s, Xavi praised the attacker’s work since his arrival on the bench. “I can only speak since the month of November that I am in office and he is being exemplary, because of how he trains, his attitude, his commitment… I don’t know how he was before, but I see him very motivated and very happy. It doesn’t surprise me because I see him as a great professional,” he declared.
Adama will continue to be important
Finally, he referred to Adama Traoré, who has seen how the great performance of ‘Dembouz’ has ‘erased’ him from the team. Despite the fact that the former Wolves player has been a regular substitute in recent games, the coach from Terrassa continues to trust him. “It will be important, we have games tomorrow, Sunday, Thursday… Adama will be important“, concluded the former Al-Sadd.
