Xavi has issued a robust response about the possibility of an Ansu Fati transfer away from Barcelona amid speculation about a possible switch to Manchester United.
The Nou Camp boss has been consistent in reiterating his desire in keeping the 20-year-old despite handing him just nine starts this season. Fati - who has a reported £1billion release clause - has struggled with injury problems over the past few years.
The youngster has had a clean bill of health so far this season and has been given 31 outings already, managing to grab six goals and three assists. His lack of starts, though, has prompted talk of a potential exit for the Spain international, who featured twice at the World Cup.
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United, who face Barcelona in the first leg of their Europa League knockout tie at the Nou Camp on Thursday, have been among the teams touted with having a potential interest. Xavi is less than impressed with the rumours, however.
"I don't understand why this is being talked about now in our press conferences," Xavi snapped when asked about Fati’s future on Saturday ahead of Sunday's clash with Villarreal. "There is no transfer window now so Ansu is not for sale. He is a very important player for us now and for the future.
"I have extraordinary confidence in him. Whether he has more or fewer minutes will depend on his performance. I really have blind faith in him. He will be a very important player for the present and the future.
“But he must be patient. There is too much rushing in everything. The January market has ended and I don't know why we are talking about this. We have to focus on what we are at stake. For me, it is clear that he must continue."
Barcelona are set to have another tough summer window amid their financial troubles and could be forced to sell a number of first-team players to comply with La Liga's financial rules.
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