Barcelona boss Xavi said that he 'understands' the frustrations of Bori Fati when asked about the explosive interview from the father of Ansu Fati.

Earlier this week, in a wide-ranging discussion with COPE, Bori Fati hit out at Barcelona, including the club's director of football Mateu Alemany and head coach Xavi, for his son not receiving more starts during the 2022-23 campaign.

The attacker's father also revealed that he had urged the 20-year-old to leave the club during this summer's transfer window, with Manchester United believed to be keen to sign him.

However, Xavi has insisted that he still has full faith in the forward, backing him to eventually regain his position as a regular starter for the La Liga leaders.

"I understand Ansu's father, I empathise. I worry about Ansu. I am calm when I see him training, he trains very well. It is important that he is happy," Xavi told reporters during his press conference to preview Saturday's La Liga contest with Elche.

"I have spoken to him. He is calm and focused, I like that. It doesn't worry me. I don't give importance to what the father says. I understand him perfectly.

"He is suffering for his son. I lived it... Ansu is a great guy, mature and will help us. I am the first one who wants him to succeed at Barca. I have a good feeling about him.

"The player has to understand that there are five changes. In half an hour you can change a game. It will become more and more important. I have already asked for patience for the 20-year-old players.

"I try to make him happy, I have a lot of confidence in him, I know what he is capable of. I talk to him a lot. I try to make him happy. He's going to deliver. I'm the first one who wants him to succeed."

Fati has been a regular for Barcelona this season in terms of appearances, featuring on 38 occasions in all competitions, scoring six goals and registering three assists in the process.

However, the Spain international has only started nine times in La Liga this season, with Ousmane Dembele, Raphinha, Gavi and Robert Lewandowski ahead of him in the pecking order.

Fati has found it difficult to regain his best form since missing 47 games for Barcelona between November 2020 and September 2021 due to a serious knee injury, while he has also since suffered with hamstring issues.

The Spaniard has another four years left to run on his current deal, with the option to extend the agreement until the summer of 2029.

However, there have been claims that Barcelona's financial problems could lead to Fati leaving this summer, with Man United placing themselves at the head of the queue for his signature. body check tags ::