Xavi: 'This is the best Barca since I became coach'

"I'm very satisfied and happy," Xavi said after the match at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barca's temporary home field while Camp Nou is being repaired. "Not only because of the 5-0 score but also in the way the team played throughout the match. The way we played and understood the game. On Saturday and today, Barca showed the best image since I was coach. This is the path we want to take. A few rookies make the team stronger, but I want to talk about the whole. I'm very proud of this performance, but the players need to know we have to continue."

Barca outperformed all parameters when hosting champion Belgium. They controlled the ball 63%, launched 15 shots, of which nine were on target. Striker Joao Felix shined with a brace and an assist. Robert Lewandowski and Gavi also scored, the remaining goal was an own goal by Jelle Bataille.

This is Barca's fifth consecutive victory this season. After being held to a draw at Getafe in the opening match of La Liga, Xavi and his team continuously beat Cadiz, Villarreal, Osasuna, Real Betis and Antwerp. Every match, they score at least two goals.

Xavi also praised three rookies Joao Cancelo, Ilkay Gundogan and Felix. But the person who impressed him the most was clearly Felix. The striker moved from Atletico on loan after an unsuccessful period at Chelsea last season. "He easily integrates thanks to his qualities. Joao has natural talent and a quick mind to understand the game. He is also humble. I think Joao is happy at Barca. We need to maintain our form But this is the best time since I returned," Xavi said.

Felix is ​​also satisfied with what he has shown since moving to Barca. The Portuguese striker is waiting to work side by side with his senior on the national team Cancelo. Like Xavi, Felix believes that the most important issue for Barca is maintaining form. "It's very difficult to reach the top, but the most difficult thing right now is to maintain form. We started the season very well but that is the result of a working process," said the striker born in 1999.