Manuel Pellegrini has praised Xavi Hernandez as his Malaga side host Barcelona on Sunday evening.
The Andalusian team will play Tito Vilanova's men at La Rosaleda tomorrow, and the Chilean Coach has highlighted the threat posed by the veteran midfielder.
“Messi demonstrated in every game why he won the Ballon d'Or,” the 59-year-old told a Press conference.
“But I have always said that what makes Barcelona great is Xavi. He is what truly makes the difference.
“I know that Messi scores a great number of goals, but it is the Xavi philosophy that is so important.”
He then remarked on what sort of performance his side need to produce to overcome the Blaugrana.
“In football the percentages don't matter,” he added. “Things change – every game is different. We have to go in and believe that we can win.
“It is our obligation to play a good game. We are two teams that treat the ball better than any other side.
“When we face a very good team, we have a lot of motivation, so I can see us doing well.”
