"Bellerin has asked us to leave to play more, I understand that perfectly"

Xavi Hernandez appeared in the press room ahead of Barcelona's upcoming La Liga match against Real Betis, a match corresponding to La Liga 17th round that will be played on Wednesday 1st February.

The Catalan coach began by talking about Betis: "This game is very useful for us, Pellegrini doesn't change his system very much. Betis have a lot of talent and with the ball they are one of the best teams in La Liga. They have players who make a difference: Canales, Borja.... I think we have to impose the fact that we have the ball, I think that's the key. It's very important to keep the ball, because the opposition can make things very difficult for you. So I think it's a very complicated game". 

Regarding the transfer window, which ends on Tuesday 31st January, the Barca coach commented: "We are in a situation in which we are once again dependent on 'Financial Fair Play'. Perhaps the departure of Hector Bellerin, who has asked us to leave to play more, I understand perfectly. We thank him because he has been an example in everything and he has never made a bad gesture, he has always been involved. He has asked us to leave. But perhaps a reinforcement would be good for us after the departures of Memphis and Bellerin, and the retirement of Pique. I don't know what position, it's difficult, but we're open to it.

Regarding the registration of Gavi's renewal, Xavi explained: "I'm very weak on the law, it's great news for us, it was one of the objectives of this market and it seems that the ball is in La Liga's court because a judge has ruled in our favour. I am happy for Gavi. Very good news. The priority for the club is to secure important players like Gavi. It looks like we can register him and he is very important. I don't see him moving on, I see him happy here and he is very important for us. I don't see him leaving.