FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said on Wednesday that his New Year wish was for "success" and to "win titles," although he admitted that in LaLiga his side couldn't afford to drop any more points.

Ilkay Gundogan (R) of Barcelona vies with Dion Lopy of Almeria during the La Liga football match between FC Barcelona and UD Almeria in Barcelona, Spain, Dec. 20, 2023. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)

Barca plays away to Las Palmas on Thursday and could kick off 10 points off the top of the table if Real Madrid and Girona win their matches on Wednesday night, leaving little room for errors after an erratic first half to the campaign.

"Our aim is to win titles. In the league we need points, but we have done well in the Champions League and soon we will play in the Copa del Rey and the Supercup," said Xavi.

The coach explained that financial fair play issues left little room for further signings beyond young Brazilian forward Victor Roque, but said the 18-year-old would be in the squad for Las Palmas.

"We will take it bit by bit with him. Roque is 18 years old and we cannot burden him with responsibilities," he said. The forward had "adapted well to the team," and would help give more competition in attack.

Xavi said the new arrival could play alongside veteran Robert Lewandowski.

"They can adapt to play together, they can adapt and the good of the group is above individual players," he commented, highlighting the need for "work, pressure and intensity."

"We have to start games as we did against Real Madrid or Girona, but we have to keep it up for 90 minutes. If we perform well then the results will come," insisted Xavi, who was looking for an improvement in "both penalty areas."

"I'm more worried about defense. This year we are conceding a lot of goals, while we were extraordinary in defense last year. We have scored two goals in several games and still not won," explained the Barca boss. 

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