Champions League
Xavi’s Barcelona Ready To Battle Psg In Champions League Quarter-final
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez stated on Monday that the upcoming Champions League quarter-final second-leg match against Paris Saint-Germain would recreate the excitement of the first leg. The five-time champions narrowly defeated Luis Enrique’s PSG team 3-2 in a thrilling encounter in Paris last week and are now looking to secure a spot in the semi-finals for the first time since 2019.
Xavi expressed confidence that the second leg at Barcelona’s temporary Olympic Stadium, located on the city’s Montjuic hill, would deliver another captivating spectacle.
“We’re not a team that will sit on our lead, we want to take the ball off PSG and win the game,” Xavi told a news conference. He continued “I hope we are at our best, they will test us to the limit I see a game very similar to the first leg. It’s the Champions League, it’s Paris and a game in which no one will be holding back.”
Xavi mentioned that PSG’s coach, Luis Enrique, who was on the Barcelona bench during the Catalans’ last Champions League victory in 2015, is expected to instruct his team to press aggressively against the hosts.
“Montjuic’s (atmosphere) has to seem like the big nights at Camp Nou,” continued Xavi. “Luis Enrique will not hold back, he will come here to press – we have to show a lot of personality to reach the semi-finals.”
Xavi revealed his departure at the end of the season back in January but has guided a revitalized Barcelona to an impressive 12-game unbeaten streak.
“Me and my players, everyone has been liberated (by my decision),” said the coach. “Everyone has felt more of a sense of belonging towards the club, and I think it has gone phenomenally.”
Barcelona midfielder Pedri acknowledged that his team must aim to secure a victory rather than just defend their narrow one-goal lead.
“We have this slender lead but we have to go out there as if we didn’t have that advantage,” said Pedri.
The Spain international has struggled to maintain consistent fitness over the last two seasons due to a series of injury issues.
“When you’re back from injury you feel the tiredness, but I’m strong and have a lot of desire,” continued Pedri. “I’ve always said I prefer to play 80 minutes at 100 percent and when I can’t go on, ask to be subbed for someone else.”
