Ernesto Valverde comments on Xavi’s situation at Barcelona, Copa del Rey draw: “They are one of the favourites”

FC Barcelona learned their fate for the Copa del Rey quarter-finals as they were drawn against Athletic Club. The game will take place on January 24th, away at San Mames, posing a difficult challenge for Xavi Hernandez & co.

The Catalans defeated Unionistas de Salamanca last night to earn a spot in the quarter-finals, where they will now be coming up against a familiar face in Ernesto Valverde.

During a press conference today, Valverde, a former Barcelona manager, discussed the draw against the reigning La Liga champions as well as the situation that Xavi finds himself in at the Catalan outfit.

Barcelona one of the favourites to win: Valverde

On the topic of facing Barcelona in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, Valverde said: “It’s a classic, a tough opponent we’ve been drawn against.

“Against the league champions. We’re not going to say we’ve been lucky because they’re a tough opponent, one of the toughest there were, but we have to play them.”

But, he insisted that the game taking place at San Mames could be an advantage saying: “We’re lucky not to have to travel and to play in San Mames. It’s an attractive tie for everyone, nice to watch and fortunately, we’ll be playing it at San Mames.”

When asked if Barcelona were the team to avoid in the draw, Valverde replied: “When there are eight teams left, none of them are easy because they have all done well enough to go through.”

And while he admitted that it was true that Barcelona are at a low point, the Athletic Club boss insisted that “they are one of the favourites to win the Cup.”

On Xavi’s situation

Xavi and Valverde will battle in the Copa del Rey. (Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has come under intense pressure in recent weeks, with the situation worsening after the Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Real Madrid last weekend.

Valverde was faced with similar circumstances when he was at Barcelona back in 2020 and after losing the Super Cup, the Spanish tactician was sacked by the Catalans.

When asked if he saw any similarities between his situation and Xavi’s current one, the Athletic Club manager replied: “I don’t remember all that, I’m in a different phase now.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo