MX23RW : Sunday, November 17 09:34:32| >> :120:23547:23547:

Xavi asked about alleged Barcelona bribery during press conference

Xavi asked about alleged Barcelona bribery during press conference
© Reuters
Barcelona head coach Xavi is questioned on the alleged charges of bribery towards the Catalan outfit during his press conference on Friday.

Barcelona head coach Xavi said that he has "little time to reflect on things other than football" when asked about the alleged charges of bribery towards the Catalan outfit.

The La Liga champions are currently the subject of an investigation into payments made to a former vice-president of Spain's referees' committee.

Court documents previously revealed that Barcelona paid €7.3m (£6.4m) between 2001 and 2018 to two companies which were owned by Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira.

A report has claimed that the club have been charged with bribery by the public prosecutor following a raid of the offices of the Spanish Football Federation.

Barcelona coach Xavi reacts on March 19, 2023© Reuters

Xavi, as expected, was questioned on the speculation when he spoke to the media ahead of Friday's La Liga contest with Sevilla.

In response, the 43-year-old said that his mind was firmly on matters on the field.

"You know my opinion. I have never had the feeling that it has benefited us, never. A week from now there will be another piece of news, a month from now another one," Xavi told reporters.

"I have little time to reflect on things other than football. Not on these issues."

Barcelona continue to deny any wrongdoing, although it is unclear whether the club will be releasing a statement to address the reports which have surfaced on Thursday.

Barcelona's Sergi Roberto in action with Villarreal's Dani Parejo on August 27, 2023© Reuters

The Catalan side will be aiming to return to winning ways on Friday evening when they host Sevilla, with the match following a 2-2 draw with Mallorca earlier this week.

"We have to be more focused. It's not true that it's hard for us to play against five-man defences. We create a lot. We're lacking in defence. In attack, we have improved. We have to improve defensively to win titles," Xavi told reporters during his press conference.

"Sevilla are Europa League champions, [Jose Luis] Mendilibar is doing a great job, difficult match."

Barcelona will again be missing Pedri and Frenkie de Jong for the contest with Sevilla, but Barcelona, who would return to the top of the La Liga table with a win, are otherwise in good shape, with Ronald Araujo fully recovering from a hamstring problem which had sidelined him for more than a month.

ID:525188:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect3825:

Click here for more stories about Xavi

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi on July 30, 2023
Read Next:
Barcelona 'keen on signing Wilfred Ndidi next year'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Packers
@
Bears
6pm
Raiders
@
Dolphins
6pm
Colts
@
Jets
6pm
Jags
@
Lions
6pm
Rams
@
Patriots
6pm
Browns
@
Saints
6pm
Ravens
@
Steelers
6pm
Vikings
@
Titans
9.05pm
Seahawks
@
49ers
9.05pm
Falcons
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Chiefs
@
Bills
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!