"Real Madrid is stronger when Barcelona is stronger." Xavi shared his expectations for El Clásico

Today marks the culmination of the Spanish Super Cup with the final showdown between two classical Spanish rivals: Real Madrid and Barcelona. We anticipate the first El Clásico of 2024.

Prior to the match, Barcelona's head coach, Xavi, provided comments to journalists from Saudi Arabia, as reported by Fichajes.

• Read also: "Xavi is doing a great job at Barça". Ancelotti shared his expectations for El Clásico

On the feelings: "As you understand, we are motivated and excited. It's the perfect scenario for everyone: the Super Cup final and El Clásico. We will strive to showcase good play, similar to last year, which was ideal, with our style and ideology. However, there is no clear favorite; in El Clásico, the odds are always 50%. Therefore, to win the title, we need to dominate the game individually."

About being in Saudi Arabia: "Everyone supports us. We are very pleased to be here. Football in Saudi Arabia is growing."

On preparation: "I am working on the overall game rather than the individual level of any player. Everyone must be ready to play in any position."

Changes in the center: "Not everything depends on Pedri. But I understand the idea, identity, and DNA of Barcelona. We need to retrieve the ball from Real Madrid regardless of the number of midfielders. We must adhere to the concept instilled by Johan Cruyff. We must remain true to Cruyffism."

Winning without perfection: "When Barcelona won, did we not deserve it? That's the question. Conversely, playing well, we didn't always win. Therefore, we must play well, dominate possession, follow Cruyffism, be persistent in playing with the ball. The idea remains unchanged."

On preparing for Real Madrid: "I think they are tired after extra time in the last match, but the same happened to us last year. That's not an excuse."

On previous games: "I think we played very well against Athletic, Sevilla, Real, and Girona, even when losing. Also, with Porto. We have played very well this season, even better than last. It's time to restore our game."

On past El Clásicos: "Last year, there were several El Clásicos, but now everything has changed significantly. Their squad has changed, now they have Bellingham, and they play with four midfielders."

On changes in Real Madrid: "I feel that Real Madrid is stronger when Barcelona is stronger. Since I've been here, to win any title, we needed to surpass Madrid. But they also react when they see Barça stronger. Last year, we won two titles against them, and now we are going to compete for another."

On what is at stake: "The title. I feel much more comfortable than last year. We managed to show that the current Barcelona is a winning project, and that adds confidence to me. But Ancelotti is always hungry. Madrid knows that we can compete with them, and we are going to do everything to win the title."

About Ancelotti: "I am sure I underestimated him. He is one of the best coaches in the world and in history. He has won and left his mark wherever he has been. He is a gentleman and an example. I have an extraordinary respect for him. Similarities with him? I don't know, we play in the same place, but we have different ideas."

On Bellingham: "We don't focus on one player; they all have outstanding levels. Bellingham's arrival has stood out; he shows differences with his game, such as the brace in El Clásico."

On Raphinha: "He will be in the upcoming matches. As for the upcoming game, let us continue with our individuality."

About Araujo: "I can't give hints. I wouldn't want to provide such a service to Ancelotti. Araujo is a guarantee in defense and with the ball."

On Yamal: "[I demand from him] confidence, talent, and quality, regardless of who is in front of him. He must showcase his talent because he can change the situation, even as a teenager."