Xavi Hernandez has called for the La Liga game between Real Mallorca to be postponed amidst rampant COVID-19 cases.
The Spaniard during his pre-match conference said the right thing to do is to push the game forward.
Xavi also gave an update on Ousmane Dembele’s contract renewal.
“We are in a critical situation. We have between 17 and 18 unavailable players. Today it seems that we are recovering Umtiti, who already tested negative,” said Xavi.
“It was the right moment to suspend the game. Common sense should be used. There is no point playing tomorrow.
“Mallorca also have a difficult situation, they also have positive cases. If this game is not suspended I don’t know anymore. A few months ago the game against Sevilla was suspended because of the international break, then we only missed a few players.”
Xavi also talked on Demeble contract renewal and Alvaro Morata and Erling Haaland rumours.
“I am not disappointed with Dembélé. It is a negotiation and the representatives do what they do. We, the club, have a very clear position and I keep waiting for Dembélé to make a gesture.
“I have spoken with Dembélé again and I hope the positions will come closer. He is a capable player who can help us a lot. We need him and he must know that this is a great opportunity for him that he cannot miss out on.
“The Dembélé thing is a negotiation and we are going to wait. The representatives of the club have been called to speak again and we are going to wait and see what happens.
“I spoke to Dembélé naturally, telling him that he is an important player for us and that we need him, that he is an important future player for the club. I can only speak to him from a sporting point of view.
“I believe that Dembélé will not be happier in another place than he can be at Barça. I convey to him that it is the best club in the world and I present a sports project that should outweigh the economic one.
“Ferran Torres is a spectacular signing for us. He really wants to play and he’s going to give us a lot, I’m convinced. He can play in various positions up front.
“There have to be exits, but If we can get Dembélé to renew, we can register Ferran and another signing. We have to wait and see.
“Morata? I want to talk about the players we have. Ferran and Alves are going to help us a lot… All the rest are hypotheses. Morata, Haaland, It is not my business to talk about it and I prefer to talk about the players who we have.
“Pedri, Ansu and Memphis are close to reappearing but in principle we cannot count on them to play tomorrow.
“The exits are being worked on. The market starts today and there is a month left. Many things have to be valued but for players to come, others have to leave, that is very clear.
“For Riqui, tomorrow is an opportunity, of course, to show that he can be here. For him and for everyone who plays.
The La Liga clash between Real Mallorca and Barcelona will take place at the Visit Mallorca Estadi tomorrow by 9pm.
