After making a successful debut on the lines in Barcelona with a 0-1 derby over Espanyol, the Catalans’ new coach, Xavi Hernandez, is facing one of the most important games for the club in recent years tomorrow (Tuesday, 22:00) against Benfica Lisbon at the Camp Nou in the fight Direct on promotion to the last eight of the Champions League.
Xavi Hernandez He said in the campaign ahead of the game against Benfica: “I see us winning tomorrow. Why should I think otherwise? I am preparing well for the game, this is an opportunity for us to qualify for the quarterfinals. I’m positive, this is an opportunity for us. Of course the way is more important to me than any other outcome but our goal is to win. How did we get into this situation? It’s very simple: we lost to Bayern and Benfica. “
On the rival Benfica, Xavi said: “This is a great team. Jorge Jesus seems to me an excellent coach and has great players. We are talking about a high level team, but we will plan the game to win it. We know there will be times in the game when we will suffer. “
Asked how he has slept at night since arriving at Barça, the coach replied: “I sleep better than before. But maybe it’s because I’m more tired. I explained to the players my values and the game model that characterizes me. “How to attack, how to defend, but first of all Barcelona’s way is to initiate.”
On the attacking situation of the team, the coach said: “We have goalkeepers, I think the players from the other line should help us a lot. Not only do the strikers need to score, it’s a matter for all the players. I’ll worry if we do not create opportunities. “
For not having defensive players in the link: “We have physical players, Frankie de Jong is spectacular in that respect. Also cleaned, without being too strong he extracts a lot of balls. Pedry manages to extract a lot of balls. It does not have to be two meters and 85 kg, but we also have strong players. “
On goalkeeper Mark Ter Stegen, Xavi said: “Every player has the ability to get out of stressful situations, for me he is among the three best goalkeepers in the world, both in goalkeeping abilities and in football. He surprised me, he’s not a captain but he has the abilities to do so. I’m very happy to have him in the team. “
For standing on Barça’s lines: “I am very happy and happy. I feel proud. I think our players are the best in the world, but they have to prove it. We should strive for excellence. The coach is an essential part to convey the idea. He is the spiritual leader of the group. You have to organize them, convince them. It’s basic but the heroes are the actors. I want them to be happy and satisfied. “
Regarding the derby against Espanyol, the coach said: “Thank you for the atmosphere on Saturday. The fans were great. The best atmosphere I’ve ever seen at Camp Nou. I ask you to come help us and encourage us. It must be an electrifying atmosphere. “
On Dembele’s possible involvement, the coach said: “We need to see how it develops, we need to see how he feels today, we do not want him injured again. Sometimes players take risks, but it depends on how they feel and how they know themselves. Nico and Mingsa will be fit to play. “
About Pedry, Xavi said: “We need to see how he progresses and thus his return depends. I was very happy that he won the Golden Boy because his performances were exceptional. He deserves it, it is an important award and has great prestige. I’m happy for him because he’s going through a hard time due to the injury. This is not a minor injury. Is a key player for us. I do not know when he will return but we hope it will be as soon as possible. ”
Reason for optimism: A look at Xavi’s debut
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