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9 months ago
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Barcelona will be looking to go into the international break on a high note by securing a victory when they face Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Sunday night.
With Atletico just three points behind Barça in the La Liga table, it becomes imperative for Xavi Hernandez & co. to secure a win to retain hope of finishing in the top two.
But it will not be easy for the Civitas Metropolitano can be a daunting venue for visiting teams.
The reverse fixture in December ended in a 1-0 win for Barcelona, courtesy of a goal from Joao Felix, who will be in for a hostile reception tomorrow.
Ahead of the enticing match-up, manager Xavi Hernandez spoke to the media, discussing an array of topics, including the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal draw against PSG.
On the Atletico Madrid game
Discussing the challenge of facing Atletico at their home, Xavi said: “Tomorrow is a vital game, like the rest that are left. They are very strong, especially at home. They’ve been doing very well in recent years. It’s a really difficult game.
“We’re in good shape, so are they. It’s a ground where Atlético haven’t lost in the league since we went there last season. Hopefully, we’ll have a good game.”
On the mood in both camps heading into tomorrow’s blockbuster contest, Xavi added: “Both teams are in very good spirits. Confidence is high.
“They had an important physical war and have had a day’s rest less. We’ll see. Our idea and mentality won’t change, we’re going for the three points.
Talking about Barcelona’s 3-1 win against Napoli earlier this week, Xavi remarked: “I feel it went well, but it could also have gone badly. Football is like that, it’s often unfair.
“The Napoli coach made changes and didn’t get the reward. It was a rounded, magical night. We’ll keep the things we did well and the things we didn’t, we’ll correct them to improve them.”
Barcelona will come up against former forward Memphis Depay tomorrow and Xavi warned that the Dutchman can be a threat to his team, saying:
“We know him perfectly well. He is capable of making a difference when he is inspired. He has a goal, he turns well, he has power…. He already put us in danger in the first leg with a free kick that Iñaki Peña saved.”
Another former Barcelona star, Antoine Griezmann, will also be in action tomorrow, and Xavi insisted that the Frenchman’s exit from the club was largely due to finances.
“It was also an economic issue here. I like him a lot, he makes a difference wherever he goes. He is an organised attacking midfielder or striker. He didn’t continue here for many reasons, but above all because of the salary cap,” the manager said.
Barcelona face two former stars tomorrow. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)Discussing how Atletico Madrid play and whether they will be defensive tomorrow, Xavi replied: “They take more risks, they have players with more technical quality, not just physical. El Cholo has changed. They are forceful and have gained a lot of talent over the last few years.”
The Barcelona manager also reserved praise for Atletico captain Koke, saying: “He is the baton of Atletico. We were teammates in the national team, an extraordinary guy. He makes the difference in midfield, he plays everything with sense, he is decisive.”
On the PSG draw
On the draw against PSG in the Champions League, the Barcelona boss commented: “They are one of the toughest opponents we could have played. I know Luis Enrique, his staff and part of the squad very well.
“We have the illusion and the hope of making a good quarter-final. It’s time to dream and show that we can compete against one of the best teams in Europe.”
Further discussing the draw and what separates Barcelona from PSG, he added: “Maybe they may be favourites, but they are not an easy opponent. We have more Champions League football than them, but their economic power is different.
“They’re not going to beat us in terms of enthusiasm and desire. We’ll have to prove it on the pitch, it’s very easy to talk. It’s a decisive moment in the season.”
On Barcelona’s changes against PSG, he said: “The team is in a very good state of confidence. There’s still a long way to go before the tie. Hopefully, we can get people back, we won’t have any more injuries.”
Squad and players
The chat then moved to Joao Felix, who will be returning to the Metropolitano tomorrow, but playing for Barcelona.
“He is tailor-made for the big teams. Joao had a great game in the previous round, he will be important tomorrow,” said Xavi about the Portuguese forward.
On the possibility of Felix being treated to a hostile reception by Atletico Madrid fans tomorrow, Xavi added:
“Personally, I liked the hostile environment. Joao has a strong character and wants to show his talent, which he has a lot of. We will need a lot of personality to win the game. He has all the characteristics to play a great game tomorrow.”
“I see him calm and motivated, extra-motivated. He’s coming back to what has been his home. He already had a great game in the first round, hopefully he can do it again,” he further added.
Joao Felix returns to Atletico tomorrow. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)The Barcelona manager then spoke about Pau Cubarsi’s call-up to the Spanish national team, saying that the club was happy. However, at the same time, he warned that they hoped it does not become a ‘Pedri situation’.
“Let’s hope that the case of Pedri is not repeated. We look at it positively, we are very happy for him. There is still a long way to go before the European Championship and the Olympic Games. Pau deserves it,” he remarked.
Xavi also confirmed that Barcelona will recover both Ferran Torres and Marcos Alonso for the game, saying: “Tomorrow we will give the list. Both will be available for the squad, if nothing changes.”
On the condition of Frenkie de Jong, he added: “Hopefully he will recover soon, we are positive. When he’s 100 per cent and has a good feeling, he’ll be available again.”
Xavi also insisted that he is helping the club plan for the next season even though he will not be the manager then, saying:
“I participate because I love this club. My decision doesn’t change and I try to help as much as possible. I’m a club man, whatever I can do to help, I’ll do it.”
On being asked if Deco or Joan Laporta had talked to him about staying on at Barcelona beyond this season, Xavi replied:
“We talk, practically, every day. With Deco, every day. He knows my position, what I think, we talk a lot about the situation. As of today, nothing has changed.”
On the emergence of a number of Barcelona youth talents and the reactions of opposition teams to that, he said:
“Surprisingly, everyone must see it. It’s surprising to see their ages. It looks like we have a young and inexperienced Barça, but they have a lot of talent. They were unknown last season.”
The Barcelona manager then praised Jules Kounde for adapting to the right-back role, saying: “Last season he was brilliant and he is adapting to this new position, we talked about it in the summer. He’s improved in the ball delivery, I’m calm when he’s in the team.”
There was also praise for Andreas Christensen, who is excelling in an unfamiliar role as the defensive pivot.
“The idea of trying Andreas there has worked out very well, he is enjoying it. He’s giving us a lot of balance and calm, he’s winning duels. He’s improving on the ball without it being his position, he’s looking forward, he’s daring. His confidence is improving,” said Xavi.
When asked about his future after Barcelona, Xavi concluded by saying: “The intention is to stay here until 30 June and then rest.”
Source: SPORT
