He Spotify Camp Nou hosted a vibrant match between the Barcelona Soccer Club and the Manchester United which finished 2-2 with goals from Mark Alonso and Raphinha for Barça and Rashford and Koundé (PP) for United.
The tie for the round of 32 of the Europa League It is completely open for the second leg.
Xavi’s words
The Barcelona coach analyzed what happened against him Manchester United at the press conference: “I have the feeling of being quite satisfied, everything and having tied. It is one of the best teams in Europe, coached by one of the best coaches. I remain with the character that we have had in the final stretch, we have reacted very well, I am leaving proud of the team”he claimed.
Next, Xavi spoke about the second leg and the controversial hands: “A very intense match at Old Trafford, with a spectacular atmosphere where we can win. It’s a penalty like a cathedral, they didn’t give it to us in the Champions League final and neither was it today. They are very clear hands, like those of Inter in the Champions League”, he answered emphatically.
Regarding the changes in the eleven, the coach justified them: “We have not changed the idea or the method, you have to do rotations to refresh the squad to avoid injuries. The Pedri thing is a pity”, the culé coach lamented.
Regarding tactics, Xavi explained the change in position between Koundé and Araujo: “We wanted to surprise them by changing the position of Araujo and Koundé. They were looking to steal and go against it and they do it wonderfully. We wanted to avoid it at all costs.”
With Pedri’s injury, Sergi Roberto entered the field, Xavi spoke of the possible alternatives: “Sergi Roberto is an alternative, he understands very well what it is to be the third man, he is dynamic and he can give us many things. We have Kessié, Gavi, Frenkie, Pablo, Pedri’s loss is very important, but we have alternatives and we will try not to show it“, explained the technician.
Finally, they asked him about Raphinha’s anger at the substituted set and this is how Xavi responded: “It seems perfect to me that he gets angry, he has come to apologize and I have told him that I understand. He wants to play and demonstrate and it is normal for him to get angry. If he wants he can insult me, I want character. The Barcelona coach made it clear.