ποΈ Xavi ahead of #MUFCBarca: "It's a very difficult game. United is one of the best teams in Europe right now. At Camp Nou, they showed personality, mentality, and passion. We have to match that. Old Trafford will be very lively."
ποΈ Xavi: "United is back. They are even competing for the Premier League. Tomorrow is an opportunity to show that BarΓ§a can compete against the greats of Europe."
ποΈ Xavi: "We can't say 'We're back'... Tomorrow we have to test ourselves and prove it on the pitch. We are in a good moment, with confidence, leaders in the league, and we won a title. But it's another test, another competition. We have to have a lot of mentality."
ποΈ Xavi: "The idea of ββthe game doesn't change if we play with three or four midfielders."
ποΈ Xavi: "I've decided on the XI, but the players don't know it yet. We're missing Pedri and Gavi, but I would highlight the absence of DembΓ©lΓ© for everything he gives us. Pedri gives us rhythm, Gavi gives us the intensity that will be necessary tomorrow."
ποΈ Xavi: "The first thing we try with AraΓΊjo is for him to dare. I prefer him failing with his ball output than always playing safe. We always want to play on the opposite half of the pitch. He has improved a lot."
ποΈ Xavi: "Tomorrow we'll see if we have changed or not, compared to Anfield or Roma. We can go to extra time, and penalties, we can win or lose... Many things can happen. Our idea won't change: putting pressure and attack."
ποΈ Xavi: "Keys for the game against Man United? Intensity, duels, having personality. Play without complexes, forget about what has happened in recent years in Europe."
ποΈ Xavi: "We haven't been up to the task in the Champions League, we're in the Europa League. Tomorrow there's an exam and we'll show it on the pitch."
ποΈ Xavi: "There are five titles we are competing for this season and we have already won one. We're a long way from the semi-final or final but it's an important test. It's a lost title if we don't go through. We are very excited about the Europa League and the Copa del Rey."
ποΈ Xavi: "I like having Sergi Roberto in the squad. He performs wherever he plays. He's a guarantee and tomorrow he will surely be important. I tell the players to enjoy themselves. Now, the pressure is on me."
ποΈ Xavi: "The pressure is for me as a coach. Everyone would want to play in this environment. I would tell them to be calm and control their emotions."
ποΈ Xavi on Guardiola: "I haven't spoken with Guardiola. I have a very good relationship and we talk often. But tomorrow we have a lot of work to do, and he is focused on tonight. We'll meet another time."
ποΈ Xavi: "Leo Messi? BarΓ§a is his home and the doors are open, he is a friend and we are in constant contact, it depends on what he wants to do with his future."
ποΈ Xavi: "Would Messi fit into the team? Of course, he's the best player in the world. The best player in history. He would always fit in the team."
ποΈ Xavi: "Lewandowski? Strikers always need to score and they are up for debate. We look beyond goals. He has also made a difference in assists, like the one against Villarreal. Lewandowski is a huge player for us. He has changed the mentality of the club."
ποΈ Xavi: "Rashford? He's an outstanding player, he's going through an extraordinary moment, but that's all. We will try to do the same, but yes, we have to take him and the team into account."
ποΈ Xavi: "Casemiro and Varane? They are both important for their team. The mentality, the passion. They are used to playing these kinds of games. They have experience."
ποΈ Xavi: "The players absent for the game against Man United? We are here to compete. The absences can't be an excuse. I think we have the team to win and go through."
ποΈ Xavi: "Memories of the matches against Man United? A lot of good memories... The finals we won against them. Paul Scholes is one of the best midfielders in history. He is very underrated."
ποΈ Xavi: "Negreira case? I have never felt we have been helped by the referees, neither in Europe nor in Spain. That's for sure."
ποΈ Xavi: "Man United up for sale and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani interested? He is a responsible person, serious, good choice for Man United. I worked in Qatar for six years and I know him."
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