Xavi Hernandez is under pressure from a number of fronts as there have been reports of having a dispute with FC Barcelona’s Sporting Director Deco, but despite all, the Spaniard is focused only on his side’s next match against Valencia at Mastella which will be played on Saturday.
Xavi is aware that a loss at Mastella would make things difficult for him as the Spaniard is already under some scrutiny following Barcelona’s 3-2 loss to Royal Antwerp last week in the UEFA Champions League.
Barcelona is currently ranked fourth in La Liga, seven points behind league leaders Girona and five behind arch-rivals Real Madrid.
"In La Liga, we are not where we should be," Xavi stated on Friday. "The defeats against Madrid and Girona weighed on us and are affecting us."
"Tomorrow is very important against a complicated and tough opponent. [Ruben] Baraja is doing an extraordinary job.
"They have taken a step forward, the Mestalla is putting pressure [on visitors] even though they have one point out of 12. It's a final and that's how we're going into it," the former midfielder said.
Real Madrid play their next match on Sunday against Villarreal while Girona will take on Alaves on Monday, should Barcelona defeat Valencia in a demanding away game, they can reduce the gap and put pressure on the top two sides.
Some changes will be made to the squad that tasted defeat in Belgium. Inaki Pena will continue to stand between the goalposts and he will have the support of Alejandro Balde, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, and Joao Cancelo.
Jules Kounde will warm the bench considering his poor form. Reports from Spain also indicated that Araujo doesn’t like to play at right-back so that may be another reason to bench the Frenchman.
Frenkie de Jong will take Oriol Romeu’s place, who struggled during Barca’s trip to Belgium as the midfielder was at fault for at least two of Antwerp’s goals.
De Jong will combine with Ilkay Gundogan and Pedri in the midfield while the forward line will consist of Robert Lewandowski, Joao Felix, and youngster Lamine Yamal.
