Xavi on vital Barcelona win and "most improved" Ronald Araujo

Xavi Hernandez felt Barcelona deserved to win against Elche as goals from Ferran Torres and Memphis Depay helped them come from behind to win 2-1 on Sunday.

"I think we deserved the win," he said. "We created a lot of chances but we didn't take them, we were not effective. But the team played well against an aggressive Elche side that was well-positioned defensively.

"In the second half, the team stepped forward, we created more chances than in the first half. It was a really important win, a team win, a vital win."

"I was angry at halftime because we didn't deserve to be behind after what we had created. (Elche goalkeeper) Edgar was brilliant. I was annoyed, angry.

"But I was hopeful that if we attacked better, we would win. That's what I told the players. I made a positional change (Ferran on) and it worked well for us.

"The sensations are very good. That's four wins in a row. It's a sign that we're working well and that the players believe in what we are saying. The dynamic is good."

Xavi was asked about his heated discussion with Elche coach Francisco after the game: "We spoke, nothing else. Don't give it any importance. These situations happen in the heat of the moment, but it's nothing. I have the utmost respect for Elche and for Francisco."

Barça's last five goals have come from substitutes and Xavi admitted that "it's hard for me to leave players out because they don't deserve it. I feel really bad. But I have to make decisions for the good of the team. Riqui (Puig), who we spoke about yesterday, Eric Garcia, Oscar (Mingueza)... Today Martin Braithwaite's not in the squad and he doesn't deserve that. I have a range of options and I am delighted with the players I have. Adama came on and did well today as well, Ousmane was fantastic."

It was a game in which Ronald Araujo could be seen driving forward with the ball and Xavi said: "Maybe Araujo is the player who has improved the most since I took over, above all with the ball because he is taking risks ... He is driving (forward) with the ball. Today he was the free man. There were times he was the advanced midfielder. He's changed how he plays, which is what we demand, and is gaining weight within the team. Without the ball, he's one of the best in the world, with the ball he had to improve. It's fundamental for him and the team."