Xavi analyzed the Manchester United – Barça of the round prior to the round of 16 of the Europa League
“Leave it out would be a very big disappointment”, has assured the Barça coach
Xavi has appeared before the press to analyze the match between Manchester United and Barça in the qualifying round prior to the round of 16 of the Europa League. Old Trafford awaits the Blaugrana team after the 2-2 first leg at the Spotify Camp Nou and it is one of those games that mark a trajectory. The technician is clear: “We still can’t say we’re back” because “you have to prove it in the field”. In that they are.
“It’s a very difficult match, United is one of the best teams in Europe and they are showing it at the level of competitiveness and play, this is one of the best United in recent times. Ten Hag’s work is giving passion, rhythm , personality… You have to match them”, says Xavi, who as a player experienced many games like the one played this Thursday at Old Trafford.
The Blaugrana coach, in this sense, believes that “United has returned.” On the other hand, he considers that “we will see tomorrow if we have changed or not. We cannot say if we have changed. We are in the Europa League and we have had the most difficult opponent”, but he warns: “We want to compete, we did it at home. We will see where we are. We can’t say we’re back. This is going to prove it on the field”. For all this, Bara has before it “a game to compete”.
Xavi sent a message to his footballers through the microphones: “It’s a very good opportunity. I think it’s an exam, but this one with more emphasis. We have to show with personality that we deserve to be there, with a lot of mentality”.
What the coach is clear about is that, whatever the competition, “I cannot throw away anything, we are Barça, we are not here to choose titles, we have four titles and we have one. Tomorrow you can be left out and it would be a very big disappointment We are very far from the final or the semifinal, but it is an important test. It would mean a lost title. We are very excited about the Europa League”. That is why Xavi assumes that “The pressure is now on me as a coach“. Despite everything, he is confident: “We have the team to go to the next round.”