Although FC Barcelona have been knocked out of the UEFA Champions League, they don’t seem to be willing to let that bring down their spirit as a team as Xavi has a dinner planned for all the Barcelona players this week. That includes even those who are injured according to SPORT.
SPORT claimed the reason why Xavi is organizing the dinner is to build team spirit ahead of the last two games before the World Cup break.
As Xavi reportedly has his players going to his favorite restaurant to bring the dressing room closer.
A ritual which is no stranger to the FC Barcelona dressing room as they’ve had these get together dinners a couple times every season.
Xavi also talked about the team’s dynamics during a Press conference before their preceding UEFA Champions league group stage game against Viktoria Plzen.
Xavi: "The influence of the World Cup on the team dynamics? There is always a risk of injury. Even in training. The players don't have to think about this. When you compete well, you're at your best. The key is to take care of yourself."
Xavi: "I have lived through the worst period in the club's history, from 2000 to 2003, and the best period in the club's history, from the time Rijkaard arrived until I retired. We have to insist... Now is not the time to doubt on this team."
Xavi: "We are in a situation we didn't expect, eliminated from the UCL, but we have to believe in the idea and in the team. I'm very positive. I still think we are on the right track. We will win titles in 2023."
Xavi: "We have not been able to compete in a very difficult Champions League group, but this year we have taken a step forward."
Xavi: "We are calm, but I think the fans are going through a rollercoaster of feelings. After the draw against Rayo Vallecano everything was going badly and after the 1-4 against Real Sociedad everything seemed perfect. Every game is a story, a world."
"We have to get into a very positive dynamic. We're doing well in La Liga... We've beaten Villarreal, Athletic and Valencia. We are playing good football and being protagonists. We have a very clear identity of who we are. And we can't lose it."
Xavi on how he can you motivate a team that is eliminated from the UCL?
Xavi: "The players at this club always have to be motivated. I'm motivated even in friendlies. We are privileged to be here and we have to enjoy it."
"Iñaki Peña and Pablo Torre will play tomorrow against Viktoria. We will give minutes to players who haven't played so much so far.
"Signings for the winter transfer window? It's too early to think about the winter transfer window. We have three games left until the World Cup break. After playing them, we'll have a month and a half to make plans for the squad. We're not ruling out anything."
Barcelona will play against Almeria and Osasuna before La Liga is interrupted for the World Cup, games the Catalan clubs will want to win as they’ll have to put pressure on current champions, Real Madrid.