meidan
New Member
- Joined
- Nov 21, 2023
- Messages
- 26
BARCELONA: Robert Lewandowski (R) of Barcelona and teammates attend a practice session at the club’s training center on Monday on the eve of their Champions League last-16 second leg against Napoli.
Barcelona's manager, Xavi Hernandez, stated on Monday that the forthcoming Champions League last-16 second-leg encounter against Napoli is their most important game of the season. Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Barcelona can or cannot proceed to the quarter-finals on Tuesday, something they haven't done since 2020, having struggled in the group stage the previous two seasons.
When asked about the game's significance, Xavi said,
"Yes, it is the most important game of the season, and we're ready, we're excited."
Barcelona last won a Champions League (knockout game) in 2020, defeating Napoli 3-1 at home. Currently in third position in La Liga, eight points behind champions Real Madrid, the attention has moved to European success.
Xavi recognized Napoli's difficulties, citing their recent coaching change and better performance under Francesco Calzona. Despite Barcelona's recent troubles with injuries, which have included crucial players such as Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, Xavi remains unmoved. Forward Ferran Torres, who has been out for the past seven games due to a hamstring injury, is still left.
While expecting Torres' comeback in the next league game against Atletico Madrid, Xavi highlighted the necessity to overcome hurdles, saying,
"Our absences are significant, but we must compete. It's a chance to reach the quarterfinals and flip the tables. The absences are not an excuse; we are not frightened to fail."
Xavi, who announced his resignation from Barcelona after the season in January, views the Champions League as one more chance to leave on a positive note. He stressed the communal value, noting,
"I am not the most important thing here; the club is. With Barcelona united and the stadium filled, we must have a magical night."
Barcelona's manager, Xavi Hernandez, stated on Monday that the forthcoming Champions League last-16 second-leg encounter against Napoli is their most important game of the season. Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Barcelona can or cannot proceed to the quarter-finals on Tuesday, something they haven't done since 2020, having struggled in the group stage the previous two seasons.
When asked about the game's significance, Xavi said,
"Yes, it is the most important game of the season, and we're ready, we're excited."
Barcelona last won a Champions League (knockout game) in 2020, defeating Napoli 3-1 at home. Currently in third position in La Liga, eight points behind champions Real Madrid, the attention has moved to European success.
Xavi recognized Napoli's difficulties, citing their recent coaching change and better performance under Francesco Calzona. Despite Barcelona's recent troubles with injuries, which have included crucial players such as Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, Xavi remains unmoved. Forward Ferran Torres, who has been out for the past seven games due to a hamstring injury, is still left.
While expecting Torres' comeback in the next league game against Atletico Madrid, Xavi highlighted the necessity to overcome hurdles, saying,
"Our absences are significant, but we must compete. It's a chance to reach the quarterfinals and flip the tables. The absences are not an excuse; we are not frightened to fail."
Xavi, who announced his resignation from Barcelona after the season in January, views the Champions League as one more chance to leave on a positive note. He stressed the communal value, noting,
"I am not the most important thing here; the club is. With Barcelona united and the stadium filled, we must have a magical night."
