French Football Weekly: what do you think of Spain's chances of winning the World Cup?
Xavi: I think Spain is one of the favorites, because they have just won the Euro, because they have a group that has been working together with Luis de la Fuente for years. They do things very well, and I think they have players in all positions who make the difference. There is a lot of talent in every position, competitive players, with experience, some who have already won everything. The World Cup, obviously, is different, but I see them very strong. I think Luis de la Fuente is doing an excellent job, and he has the confidence to make a difference. Decisive players up front, a very solid midfielder, a defensive line combining experience and youth. It will be very difficult to beat Spain.
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French Football Weekly: do you see a difference between the way the selections play and that of the big European clubs, in terms of style of play?
Xavi: no, I think Spain is a lot like Barça or other teams who want to have the ball, who want to be protagonists with the ball. Luis de la Fuente is not one to speculate. He wants to press high, keep the ball, play in the opposing camp… He is an offensive coach. It's true that at certain times, they know how to withdraw. When they lead, they defend well and then, with Lamine and Nico, go on a counterattack. They are also strong in transition, they dominate all facets of the game, but I would say that Spain is a very offensive team, who wants to dominate and be protagonist in the game. Watching Spain play is a pleasure for the spectators.
French Football Weekly: do you see similarities between the way your Barça plays with Luis Enrique and the current PSG?
Xavi: It's quite similar. Both want to have the ball, both want to be protagonists. Luis Enrique, for example, is a coach who does not conceive of withdrawal. He wants to squeeze and squeeze for 90 minutes. Hansi Flick, for example, plays with a very high defensive line, and each tactician has his own approach. But in the case of Spain, there is a great resemblance to what Barça and Paris Saint-Germain want.
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French Football Weekly: Ousmane Dembélé has just won the Ballon d'Or. Do you see him as a player who has matured and plays differently now compared to when he started?
Xavi: Ousmane is an extraordinary player, we knew that from the moment he arrived at Barcelona. We saw his full potential, we worked a lot to make him feel comfortable and happy. We saw a player with a great capacity for progress, a real desire to learn, and he has progressed enormously with us. Then the offer from Paris Saint-Germain arrived, he went to Paris and there he completely exploded. He is happy there, he feels like the star of the team, of the project. And what's more, they won the Champions League, where he shone with a lot of goals and assists. He made the difference. He is an exceptional player, and the Ballon d'Or is more than deserved.
French Football Weekly: you obviously played with several different balls during the World Cups. When you look at the new ball, the Trionda, what do you think?
Xavi: he’s handsome, isn’t he? He represents the three organizing countries: Mexico, Canada and the United States. The touch seems fine and pleasant. I have wonderful memories of Jabulani. We won the World Cup with Spain, the first in the country's history, an extraordinary event. I think this new ball will be popular, because it symbolizes the entire organization around this World Cup. So, let's enjoy this great World Cup.
https://www.adidas.fr/ballons-football
