Ahead of their home clash with Valencia, Xabi spoke to the gathered press to preview the LaLiga game - and also review Sunday's El Clasico victory over Barcelona.
The 2-1 win was marred by Vinicius Jr's strop after being substituted by Xabi on 72 minutes. The Brazilian has since publicly and privately apologised for his actions, though significantly did not mention Xabi in his statement released on Wednesday.
How is the team doing?
After a very positive first week, another demanding one is upon us. With two league matches and the Champions League. We want to finish this stretch with even more positive energy. And tomorrow we start against Valencia.
Has Vinicius apologised to you?
We had a meeting with everyone on Wednesday, and Vinicius was impeccable. He spoke sincerely, from the heart, and was very good. For me, that settles the matter.
Vinicius mentions everyone in the statement, but not you.
It was a very valuable, very positive statement. He demonstrated his honesty; he spoke from the heart. What he said was the most important thing, and I was very satisfied. The matter was closed on Wednesday.
What was the reason for the adjustment with Eduardo Camavinga in the Clásico?
We knew it was a strength we possessed and that we could utilize it, not just for a specific strategy. Other days we'll need a different approach, but given the opponent we faced, and due to upcoming events that will demand it, we'll need it. It worked out well. Not only tactically, but also mentally. That's the foundation for tactical success. The Clásico offers us valuable insights for the future.
Were you surprised that your name didn't appear?
It was very positive... and we trained well yesterday. We're all motivated, we're all in the same boat.
Will Vinicius not be punished?
No, no retaliation.
Mbappé receives the Golden Boot today. Can he still score more goals?
He's scored goals and he'll continue to score them. His daily routine is excellent. He's handling it with great maturity, and that's very important. Now we need to get the team to support him so he can score goals.
Has the 'Vinicius case' been the most difficult to manage since becoming a coach?
I think I've already given enough explanations. (Smiles) I respect that your focus is there. It was finalized on Wednesday. We've had a very good week. What worries me is Valencia. I understand you, but please understand me.
Will tomorrow's schedule provide any clues for Tuesday?
I'm not thinking about Tuesday, but about tomorrow. Thinking about Valencia. You can drop points in the Champions League. But my focus is on Valencia-Rayo. Valencia won at the Bernabéu last year. Rayo prepares its teams well. They'll be on high alert for the match. Because after a big win, sometimes you let your guard down a bit.
How important is winning the Clásico?
Before the Clásico, we talked about how it was more valuable. A win of that magnitude was important for the team's confidence. But we have to forget about it. We have to keep focusing on each match. If we let our preparation slip, we'll drop points. And we don't want that to happen. I'm fine.
Have you watched El Clásico again?
Of course. Many of the things we planned worked out well. The team showed great strength. And we were really eager. You could see that in the guys. They were anticipating the situation. When we're strong, we take the initiative.
How is a changing room managed?
Being myself. The most important thing is to be authentic, not to try to pretend. Always think about what's best for the team. Always maintain good relationships, based on respect, but understanding that not everyone is the same. You have to have emotional intelligence.
Do you think the contract talks could distract Vinicius?
He seems very focused and eager. He played a great game the other day.
Are you worried about Mbappé's playing time?
I'm always concerned about not pushing the players too hard. You also have to be aware of the effort required, the demands placed on them. There are times when you have to manage those moments. With Kylian, it's been like that so far, but we'll see what the future holds.
On Monday, after the match, came the bad news about Dani Carvajal...
Carva played 20 minutes, he did very well, he competed... and on Monday morning it was a surprise to receive that call from the doctor. We'll definitely miss him. And since it seemed we'd be counting on him... We think seven or eight weeks. We're waiting for him.
How are you handling the situation with Endrick, who hasn't played a single minute yet?
I would have liked him to have had more playing time. The circumstances have been right, he's training well, but those circumstances need to be right.
Are you afraid that what happened with Vinicius will happen again?
I think the team, and everyone, including Vinicius, is focused on what's most important. Everyone wants to be on the pitch. The focus is the same. We want to proceed safely.