Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has told the press that it is time to dream in Europe after making it past Napoli and into the quarter-finals of the Champions League. There was also good news on the injury front for the Catalan side, who face a trip to the best home team in La Liga, Atletico Madrid.
He was of the opinion that their victory over Napoli had shifted the mood in Can Barca, and
“Yes, especially the people on the street. I see enthusiasm in the people, even in you at the media level, the tie against Napoli seems to have restored the enthusiasm. On an economic level it has done us very well, therefore it gives us stability and this point of excitement that was needed.”
Xavi: "Maybe Simeone has changed his way of playing somewhat, with more talent and differentness."
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Regarding PSG specifically, he believed it to be one of the toughest draws they could have faced.
“Very difficult, one of the most difficult opponents we could have faced. I know Luis Enrique and his staff, how they work. I have confidence and enthusiasm. We face one of the most difficult rivals, although we have the return leg at home. It’s time to dream,” Xavi explained.
Xavi was also asked on multiple occasions about reports in France claiming that Barcelona were a fortunate and favourable draw for PSG, or ‘indulgent’ as one journalist quoted.
“Maybe yes, I don’t like the indulgent thing. Maybe I would give the role of the favourite to PSG, beyond history because we have more Champions Leagues. Above all on an economic level, what they and we have spent. Yesterday we watched the draw everyone together and the people are positive. You have to show it on the pitch, but there is enthusiasm and we’re looking forward to it. It is a decisive moment to show it.”
“They have the feeling that we have a very young Barca with talent, but inexperience. Perhaps they are right. Both Luis Enrique and the staff will see that we have positive and negative things. Maybe you see an inexperienced team, but we have a lot of enthusiasm and the desire to play two excellent games. We have it very difficult, they are one of the best teams in Europe and one of the best coaches in Europe.”
Barcelona lost one of their key players ahead of the Napoli clash, and while it looks as if Pedri’s recovery will take longer, Xavi was optimistic that Frenkie de Jong could be present for the return leg.
“We are positive, when we talk about injuries it is this. We do not set return dates. The feelings dictate [when he returns].”
They should have Ferran Torres and Marcos Alonso back in time for their trip to the Spanish capital to face Atletico Madrid though.
“Tomorrow we will put out the squad and in principle, both will be available if nothing changes.”
Xavi was taking nothing for granted against Los Rojiblancos, despite their disadvantage in terms of recovery.
“Emotionally, both teams come into this in good shape after advance¡ing to the [Champions League] quarterfinals. They had an important physical war, but they had one less day. We will see tomorrow what Cholo opts for, our mentality is not going to change.”
