After the match, Xabi acknowledged that PSG's victory was unexpected, but he emphasized that it's not the first defeat they will face. He attributed the loss to a combination of factors, including two harsh blows and the team's need to relax and recover. Xabi also noted that PSG is a well-established team, while Real Madrid is still in the process of building and improving.
Xabi highlighted the importance of learning from their mistakes and using them as a stepping stone for future growth. He expressed optimism that the team can improve and compete at a higher level, but he also recognized the need for patience and a long-term approach. Xabi emphasized that the team's performance will show them things to work on for the future.
When asked about the lessons he learned from the tournament, Xabi stated that he gained valuable insights into the team's strengths and weaknesses. He expressed confidence that the team will emerge stronger and more united, with a clear perspective for the next season.
Despite the disappointing result, Xabi remained positive and focused on the future. He acknowledged that the team needs to recharge and refocus, but he expressed confidence that they will bounce back stronger and more determined.
He also added, “It wasn't what we expected. It's the first defeat, but it won't be the last. Anyone who thinks they'll never lose is deluding themselves. It's what we have to do and tomorrow we start a period of rest and recharging our brains. We all need it and may it give us enough impact to get off to a good start. We can't forget today's game, but we can't let this game drag us down either.”
“We were hurt by the 2-0 and coming back from that isn't easy. We tried not to go crazy, but with the third goal it was even more difficult. It wasn't only the pressure but also the fluidity of the game. We can learn a lot from it.”
“Going 2-0 down early on is a conditioning factor. We wanted to play an intense game and after that you face it in a different way. More than the distance between the two teams is the margin we have to improve. It's the end of this season and not the start of the next. We’ll take the positives from this Club World Cup period.
“We're leaving as a better team. It's a starting point for a better start next season. I'm talking about the team and not the players. Today, we had some shortcomings and sometimes it's good to see the mistakes so that they can be useful for the future. If we repeat the same mistake over and over again, we won't be intelligent.”
“I'm leaving with certainties. This tournament has taught me many things about what we are and what we have to improve. I'm leaving with a perspective for next year, when we will recover players and there will be changes. Next season will be different, but I'll leave with clear certainties. I take all the information that this tournament has given me. We want to build a team that plays as a unit and where everyone is involved.”
