Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández is impressed by Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United. The Spaniard looked ahead at his press conference on Wednesday to the Europa League return against The Red Devils at Old Trafford.
Xavi does not have access to Pedri and Gavi at the squatter in Manchester, while Ousmane Dembélé is also still missing. Pedri gives you control, Gavi gives you passion and Dembele is important one-on-one. But we have alternatives that also have those qualities,” the Barça coach assures.
Xavi anticipates for the second confrontation with Erik ten Hag’s Manchester team. “It’s going to be a tough match. Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in Europe and they are showing it again. Ten Hag has done that well,” says the former midfielder.
He adds, “United shows intensity, mentality, passion, rhythm… We must bring the same and show character. Above all, we must have the mentality to really participate in Europe. Manchester United are back, you can say that for sure. For us, this is the ideal podium to show that Barça can also beat these kinds of teams.”
Xavi was also asked how he takes the pressure off his players. “I do that by telling them that the pressure is on me and that I would give everything to play this match myself,” responded the trainer, who hung up his kicks in 2019.
Xavi comments on Messi’’s return
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández has responded to the latest rumors about Lionel Messi. Spanish media are speculating about a return of the Argentinian to Camp Nou.
Messi has an expiring contract with Paris Saint-Germain and has so far kept a low profile about his future. Yet everything actually pointed to the fact that the 35-year-old attacker would extend his contract in Paris.
Until Messi showed up again this week in Barcelona for a dinner. With Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and the partners of the trio. In addition, Messi’s father is said to have met with Barcelona president Joan Laporta. The rumor mill is now running at full speed again: will Messi return to Barça on a free transfer?
During the press conference leading up to Barcelona’s game against Manchester United at Old Trafford, Xavi was confronted with that question. The Spaniard repeated the message he has spoken so far: “I have already said that this is Messi’s home and that the door is always open for him,” said Xavi.
“He’s a friend of mine and we’re in constant contact. It will mainly depend on him, how he sees his future, but also how it fits with the club,” added Xavi. “But this is his home and there is always room for the best footballer in the world and of all time.”
