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La Liga | Gameweek 6
Sep 17, 2022 at 3.15pm UK
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Elche

Barcelona
3 - 0
Elche

Lewandowski (34', 48'), Depay (41')
Kessie (5'), Torres (73')
FT(HT: 2-0)

Bigas (29'), Fernandez (70')

Xavi hails squad depth after Barcelona's win over Elche

Xavi hails squad depth after Barcelona's win over Elche
© Reuters
Barcelona boss Xavi believes that the club's squad is capable of challenging for major trophies this season.

Barcelona boss Xavi has said that the Catalan giants "need to become a family" if they are to be successful this term, with the head coach hailing the strength of his squad.

Blaugrana moved to the top of La Liga courtesy of a 3-0 win over Elche on Saturday afternoon, with Robert Lewandowski scoring a brace and Memphis Depay also on the scoresheet.

Memphis, Franck Kessie, Frenkie de Jong and Alejandro Balde were among those to come into the side, as Xavi shuffled his pack following the Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.

Xavi has said that the strength of Barcelona's squad will stand them in good stead this season, with the club looking to challenge for major trophies.

"We have a very big squad now. Everyone is training well, responding well. Remember that this season is strange, and we need everyone to be in their top game. We need to become a family," Xavi told reporters.

Barcelona's Memphis Depay celebrates scoring against Elche on September 17, 2022© Reuters

"You win titles with a big squad, not with a set starting XI. We have 25 players, and all of them could start for every match. Then it's my turn to take the decisions.

"I'm happy to have won. It was very important. After their red card, the match completely changed. We always have room to improve. Before the red card, the match was more positional. After that, we enjoyed it. It felt quite easy, especially in the second half.

"We've had a good start to the season. I'm very grateful. Everyone is ready to play at any time, and you can see that. Everyone can make a difference. Sixteen out of 18 points is a good start. I am satisfied."

Xavi was also keen to pay tribute to Balde, who provided two assists from left-back, with the 18-year-old becoming a starter in La Liga this term.

"It never ceases to amaze me that a kid of Balde's age is playing as well as he is. He will give us a lot," he added. "Balde is a great left back. We have three great left-backs. Jordi [Alba], Marcos [Alonso] and Balde. He created several chances today. I'm very happy for him, he's very mature."

Alex Balde in action for Barcelona on September 17, 2022© Reuters

The Barcelona head coach also lavished praise on Pedri, with the 19-year-old playing the full 90 minutes of Saturday's victory over Elche.

"Pedri is a superlative player. He understands the game, and he can make the difference with his assists," the 42-year-old added.

"Pedri has to become decisive for our future. At 19 years old, he is comparable to the best footballers that have ever played here. We need to take care of him."

Xavi also looked ahead to a busy October, with the Catalan outfit set to play nine times next month, with the fixtures being packed in due to the season breaking in November for the World Cup.

"October will be very complicated. We have a very busy calendar. These two weeks without football will help me rest," the head coach added.

Barcelona will be back in La Liga action against Mallorca at the start of October before travelling to San Siro to face Inter Milan in the Champions League three days later.

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Barcelona's Memphis Depay celebrates scoring against Elche on September 17, 2022
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona14111242142834
2Atletico MadridAtletico148512181329
3Real Madrid1283125111427
4Villarreal127322319424
5GironaGirona146352018221
6Mallorca146351312121
7Osasuna136341720-321
8Athletic Bilbao135531913620
9Real BetisBetis145541616020
10Real Sociedad135351110118
11Celta Vigo145362224-218
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15Getafe142751011-113
16AlavesAlaves144191524-913
17Las PalmasLas Palmas143381825-712
18Valencia122461219-710
19Espanyol133191226-1410
20Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179


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