Coach Xavi Hernandez has sought to play down expectations he could become the club's equivalent to Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ferguson was manager of Manchester United from 1986 to 2013 and won more trophies than any other manager in soccer history. Xavi, meanwhile, is just over one year into his tenure at Barcelona.
"I think it's difficult to be like Ferguson, I hope to be, here at Barcelona," Xavi told the press. "I am grateful to the president, he tells me that he is happy with the work that all the staff are doing.
"The president is faithful and loyal and we are grateful for that. I hope he stays here for years, but we depend on the results. It's not the time to talk [about a renewal], I have one more year to go [on my contract]."
Robert Lewandowski is Barcelona, and LaLiga Santander's top scorer this season with 15 goals. He missed Barcelona's last outing against Valencia with a hamstring problem, but is expected to return against Athletic Club.
"Robert is doing very well, he has been with the group since Thursday," Xavi said. "He is an example of involvement, commitment... he always wants to play and he has changed the mentality of the team.
"It was good for us that he joined the club. He's a vital addition, and even more so in games like this when they'll be pressing us from the front."
Tiki-taka out of fashion
Lewandowski recently spoke out against using the tiki-taka style, insisting it may have gone out of fashion in football. Something Xavi agrees with.
"Football changes, and I share his opinion," Xavi said. "Robert is a guy I compare to Ronaldinho, Messi... he has single-handedly changed the mentality of the team. He is a leader.
"It is important that he is able to communicate. Football is very fast, vertical, transitions... before it was slower and more controlled.
"Few teams would press you high. But that doesn't change our philosophy, it changes the opposition. Football has changed a lot and we have to adapt."
blogpay
