Xavi: Barcelona more important than Messi’s arrival, and idealism is Rafinha’s whip!

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has given his opinion on the widespread news of the Catalan club’s desire to regain the services of Lionel Messi in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Messi’s contract with Paris expires next June and there is currently no progress on his signing a new deal, so speculation is rife that he could return to Barcelona or move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia or the American League.

Xavi said at Real Betis’ pre-match press conference: “It’s not just about Leo’s possible arrival, but also his ability to improve the team next year. We still have a league championship ahead of us to think about. Victory.”

Jules Conte returns to the center of defense: “We’ll see what happens next season, he’s adapting to the full-back position, but I know he’s a defensive heart and now he’s used to playing in this position because of the circumstances. He feels more comfortable as a defender.”

And on the possibility of selling Rafinha: “He’s had a great season in many respects and sometimes suffers from moments of frustration because he wants to do everything the right way.”

Relaxed as Real Madrid dropped out of the league: “These things happen naturally in football, you can’t be great forever, we have to go back to our model of style and values.”

Othman Dembele’s return: “His injury took a long time to heal, but he is happy to recover and return to us. We will look at his chance to be a mainstay tomorrow.”

Notably, Barcelona are 11 points behind Real Madrid II at the top of the La Liga table and will be looking to bounce back against Betis after losing to Rayo Vallecano to secure the La Liga title in the next round.