Xavi Hernandez will be leading his FC Barcelona team into a most important fixture this Tuesday as his side is set to face Napoli in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
The first leg between the two teams ended with a 1-1 draw, as Lewandowski’s opener was equalized by Victor Osimhen. As a result, the tie is very open ahead of the second leg, and both teams will be looking to get the better of their opponents to advance to the next round of the tournament.
However, Xavi will be without two key players, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, as they both had to leave the pitch because of injuries in the match against Athletic Club. Ferran Torres was also unable to return to training as well and is almost ruled out for this match.
Xavi addressed questions about these absences and some other aspects related to the team as he talked to the media ahead of the match against Napoli. The main highlights from this presser are as follows:
Xavi began the presser by sharing his high hopes for the upcoming match, but was still wary of the threat that Napoli can pose:
“Is this the most important match of the season? Yes, it is, and we are prepared, with enthusiasm. It’s been four years since we’ve been in the quarterfinals, and that’s how we approach it. We want to compete against an opponent who, even though they’re not in the best moment, has the foundation of the Serie A champion. We need a full stadium.”
The Barcelona head coach also highlighted how Napoli have improved in the last few days, and how his team will have to be at its best for this coming match:
“Napoli has improved with the new coach, more dynamic and comfortable. Our absences are significant, but we have to compete. We were better there, and we have to be better here.”
Xavi will be without two of his key players for this match, but was not looking for excuses ahead of the game: “It’s an opportunity to reach the quarter-finals, a chance to turn the tables. Absences are not an excuse; we don’t fear failure but rather the opportunity to compete in front of our fans.”
The Barcelona coach also emphasized how Barcelona was bigger than any individual, including he himself: “I’m not important tomorrow; I have an expiration date. What’s important is the club. I don’t prioritize the individual, but the club, and we all need to be united.”
“Once again… I’m not the important one. Today is a day to be united, and I’m going to tell the players not to be afraid, that we need to take a step forward to reach the quarter-finals after four years of absence.”
In addition to the football being played on the pitch, Xavi had several other mental aspects also in mind when asking his team to compete in this game:
“When I say compete, it also involves controlling emotions, avoiding red cards, and patience in the game, the small details are crucial in the Champions League.”
Xavi also shared what he was expecting from the opposition in this key match: “I expect a brave Napoli that plays from the back and presses high, doesn’t speculate, has a high individual level, the three up front are of high quality. It’s a big game and they’re a great team, the current champions of Italy.”
Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi have been playing at a very high level for the last few weeks, and Xavi also highlighted this aspect in the presser:
“To Lamine and Cubarsí, the same, let them enjoy it. At 16 and 17 years old, it’s spectacular that they can be there. It’s an opportunity to be among the eight best in Europe, so let them compete.”
Regarding the match overall, the coach was clear that it can go either way: “There are no favorites, it’s 50-50. The fans give us a bit more favoritism; they have to understand that this has to be a pressure cooker.”
He shared that his team has prepared for any possibility for this match, including that of penalties: “Penalties? We’ve worked on all the scenarios we think might happen.”
Xavi also shared an update on Ferran Torres’ situation: “Ferran’s issue isn’t a relapse; it’s about how he feels, and I hope he’ll be available against Atlético.”
While Barcelona have not been able to stamp their authority on the top European competition for some years, Xavi was still confident that the Blaugrana team had what it takes to compete with any other side:
“I don’t see better teams in Europe, I see different teams. We can compete with anyone. What changes are our economic circumstances.”
The coach also assessed Christensen’s performances with his changed role: “Is Christensen only for defending? It’s difficult for a midfielder to create chances, and he already provided an assist against Getafe. He’s not giving more than we thought; it’s a positive change. He can thread passes through.”
Although Xavi has frequently pointed to his decision to leave the club as a factor contributing to the team’s improved performances, this time he mentioned how the players have always been fully committed with his staff:
“Beyond whether the players have been relieved after my announcement of departure, they have taken a step forward. And I had no doubt about them because they have always been with the staff.”
Barcelona will be unable to play at their normal home ground Camp Nou, as it is going through renovations, and the Catalans will play this match at the Montjuic. While this change can impact the support that the team gets, Xavi wanted Montjuic to be at its best for his team:
“How much does not playing at Camp Nou weigh? Montjuïc has to resemble Camp Nou. It has to be filled and be the 12th player. From Napoli, I like their forwards, top-level in Europe Politano, Osimhen, and Kvara. And also how they defend.”
Xavi was not too keen to give any hints about his possible lineup for this game: “I’m not going to give clues to the opposing coach, and I haven’t told the players either. Whoever plays, there are guarantees.”
The former midfielder also named one player from Napoli that he would want at Barcelona: “I like Lobotka, he builds up play and doesn’t lose the ball. I would like to see him at a club like Barcelona.”
Instead of Joan Laporta, it was Rafa Yuste who attended the training session held today, and Xavi also commented on this aspect: “Laporta hasn’t come down today, but he does almost every game. He’s very motivated and excited, just like us. Hopefully, we’ll have a magical night.”
The Barcelona coach took hope from his team’s earlier performances against big teams, and was confident his players can replicate their big game performance in this match:
“We’ve played well against big teams. Real Madrid, even though we lost in the league, Atlético, Napoli… We need to play a similar game to the one there, but be more decisive in both boxes.”
Xavi ended the presser with a comment on what he actually wanted from his players in this match: “It’s a night to show our identity and have personality.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
