Barcelona reject €60 million Premier League bid for UCL hero

Barcelona are in dire need to sell players in the summer as they try to pursue a financially stable summer transfer window and hopefully return to the 1:1 rule in La Liga.

However, the club have ruled out the sales of several important assets such as Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Lamine Yamal, among others – players that could have easily earned them hundreds of millions.

Instead, the club is relying on the sale of players who are not as important to the team and already have one foot out the door.

This also includes players who are on loan who have done well and can move out this summer like Sergino Dest, Eric Garcia, Ansu Fati, and Clement Lenglet.

And finally, this leaves some remaining few who are neither here, nor there. Players who are attracting attention from other elite teams but perhaps do not want to leave the club. This list starts with the hero of the PSG game, Raphinha

According to a report published by SPORT recently, Barcelona have recently rejected an offer worth €60 million for Raphinha from the Premier League.

While the player is important for Barcelona, they are willing to listen to offers starting from €80 million for him.

While the name of the English side has not been disclosed, there have been several linked with his signature in recent times, including Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Arsenal.

There have also been reports claiming that Saudi Arabian clubs are willing to spend nearly €100 million to sign him, and that Barcelona have already received a €100 million offer from Al Hilal.

Raphinha wants to stay

While there have been a hailstorm of offers for Raphinha, the player has confirmed time and again that he does not want to leave Barcelona. This is the club of his dreams, and he had rejected much better offers in 2022 to sign for the Catalans.

“I still have years on my contract, and my idea is to fulfill them. I will try to stay here for many years,” he had said following the 2-3 win against PSG, where he won the Man of the Match award, as well.

While Barcelona were said to be not too happy with Raphinha’s contributions, his importance in the team is becoming increasingly clear this season, especially over the last month as someone who can and will continually attack space.

Three talking points ahead of Barcelona vs PSG

A few months ago, the average Barcelona fan was celebrating the team’s progression to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.

Starved of elite action for two years when the team collapsed in the group stages, the Catalans’ mere presence in the Round of 16 brought joy to the Culers.

Not only are Xavi’s men now through to the final eight but are also on the cusp of doing one better. Having secured a 3-2 win on Paris over PSG in the first leg of the quarterfinals last week, they are just one draw away from booking a place in the semifinals.

On Tuesday night, they take to the field for the all-important 90 minutes against Luis Enrique’s men. 90 minutes that can make or break their run in the UCL and can earn them a date with either Atletico Madrid or Borussia Dortmund in the semifinal.

Barça Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Barcelona vs PSG.

A new PSG

Travelling to Paris and taking down Luis Enrique’s PSG in their backyard has undoubtedly been the peak of Barcelona’s season to this point. However, all of their efforts will be in vain if they do not capitalise on the advantage tomorrow.

The opponent they face at Montjuic is indeed the same as the one they took down a week ago, yet, will be more frightening for a number of reasons.

The first factor will be the return of Achraf Hakimi, who missed the first leg of the quarterfinal through suspension. The PSG right-back is one of their most serious threats in the final third and can generate devastating counterattacks with his pace.

Considering that Barcelona’s left-back position is relatively compromised defensively with Joao Cancelo pushing high up the flank, it is essential that Xavi places prophylaxis in place before PSG exploits the weakness.

Moreover, word has it that Luis Enrique is planning to start both Bradley Barcola and Warren Zaire-Emery at Montjuic, which could hint at PSG planning to attack on the counter.

Barcelona’s defence will thus be up against a stiff challenge, one similar to the opening 10 minutes of the second half last week which stumped them. Cancelo and Pau Cubarsi, primarily, will have to be more alert than ever on their flank.

Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo, meanwhile, will once again be up against Kylian Mbappe. This time, however, the soon-to-be Real Madrid star will look to up the ante given the match situation, and it will be anything but as straightforward as it was a week ago.

The Pedri factor

Sergi Roberto and Andreas Christensen both lived up to what the manager expected of them in the first leg against PSG. Both players, however, earned bookings on the night that see them out of contention to play tomorrow.

Luckily for Xavi, he has his first-choice midfield available for selection. Frenkie de Jong is back to full fitness while Ilkay Gundogan earned his first day off when Barcelona took on Cadiz at the weekend.

The question, however, is around Pedri and how ready Xavi sees him to be to start at Montjuic. The Canary Islander would complete a formidable midfield unit alongside Gundogan and De Jong, but he is just two games out of injury and has had a poor fitness record this season.

Pedri changed the game in the first leg after coming on, providing a sensational assist for Raphinha’s equaliser. Coming on as a substitute midweek, he once again added composure and creativity to the Catalan side against Cadiz.

If Pedri does start tomorrow should Xavi see it worth the risk, he is likely to play as the attacking midfielder with Gundogan dropping to help De Jong defensively.

Else, it will be Fermin Lopez who starts in the 21-year-old’s place. While the youngster is indeed brilliant in his own way, he is simply not Pedri.

Barcelona’s den

The instant reaction from the Catalan club’s management and administration after the result in Paris was that the game was far from done. Xavi called PSG favourites to advance despite their setback, purely because the second leg still lay ahead.

Barcelona’s one-goal advantage may be a cushion heading into the game. However, their real boost lies in the crowd behind their back and a home away from home at Montjuic.

Fans in Catalonia are looking to create a pressure cooker situation in the stadium for PSG and will come out in large numbers to back Xavi’s men to a historic win. The team’s real chance, thus lies in capitalising on the home advantage.

Pressure has not bode well for the Blaugranas in recent years, more so in European competitions. The game last week, however, showed that they are developing some serious confidence.

Tomorrow night will be a real test of their grit and ability to stay cool under pressure. A place in the semifinal is within their grasp, and it only remains to be seen if Xavi’s men are mature enough to take it with ease.

Barcelona expecting record turnover at Montjuic Stadium for PSG clash

The shift from Spotify Camp Nou to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic for this season has not been an entirely favourable one for FC Barcelona in the financial sense.

It has not always been easy for the Blaugrana to fill the stadium for home matches this season, but fans have shown up in huge numbers for the big nights.

And it promises to be no different tomorrow when Barcelona take on PSG in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie.

Barcelona expecting record turnover at Montjuic

Ahead of Tuesday night’s blockbuster clash, Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona are expecting a record turnover from ticket sales at the Montjuic Stadium for this season.

As per the update, Barcelona are expecting to earn €6 million from the game against PSG tomorrow night at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

Despite the high prices of tickets, there were very few left for sale as of today

In fact, the first-tier tickets, priced at €499, are already sold out, as are the Goal tickets (€299) and the corner tickets (€264).

Barcelona recorded the highest attendance in Montjuic this season during the UCL Round of 16 second-leg tie against Napoli, with 50,301 fans in attendance.

The El Clasico against Real Madrid in October last year saw an attendance of 50,112 at Barça’s temporary home.

And those numbers are in line to be beaten when Barcelona and PSG lock horns tomorrow night.

Extra security measures have also been put in place following the alleged terror threat that emerged last week before the first-leg encounters.

Pedri, Raphinha start in a 4-3-3: How Barcelona should lineup against PSG

 

Barcelona may have come out of the first leg against PSG as victors, but the job is far from done. The second leg, tomorrow at the Olympic Saint Montjuic, is war, as Xavi claimed.

Not only is Xavi’s and the squad’s reputation on the line, but Barcelona will also try to shed the ghosts of their European past as they look to put the game to bed at home.

Facing them, though, is the monster they created in Luis Enrique. “If they can score four, we can score six” – the quote would be ringing loudly in Barcelona fans’ years from their win against Paris in 2017.

However, Barcelona have all forms of advantage ahead of the tie. They are leading the tie by a goal, and also will be playing at home.

And while the Montjuic has not been the fortress that Camp Nou was, the stadium is expected to be full to the brim tomorrow, and if Xavi gets his tactics right once again, Barcelona can see the game through without too many problems.

Defence: Unchanged backline

Apart from the five minutes of the second-half when Barcelona lost concentration, the Catalan defence line put up an absolute monsterclass, keeping Kylian Mbappe quiet for the entirety of the game.

They must do even better tomorrow, as PSG will try to attack even more, and from the first-minute onwards, as well.

It seems unlikely Xavi will make any changes to the back-four from the first-leg, with Pau Cubarsi and Ronald Araujo expected to take charge of central defence, screening Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Joao Cancelo is in line to start as a left-back once again after missing the Cadiz game on the weekend due to suspension. Jules Kounde will have one of the most important jobs, facing Kylian Mbappe as the right-back.

Midfield: No Christensen, Roberto

Xavi was dealt with a huge blow in the first-leg, with Andreas Christensen and Sergi Roberto picking up suspensions that will keep them out of the return tie.

With both players out, Xavi’s options in defensive midfield become extremely limited. Ilkay Gundogan has proven to be much more impactful in an advanced role, and will retain his spot there.

Pedri and Frenkie de Jong will take up the lion’s share of the defensive duties as part of the trident, with the latter expected to start as the no. 6.

Attack: Yamal the only doubt

After Raphinha’s exceptional performances in the last month, especially the one against PSG, there is no doubt that the Brazilian will start tomorrow, too, presumably as a left-winger.

Robert Lewandowski’s spot in the team is also not under threat, after a masterclass in the first-leg despite not scoring. He will be key in beating the PSG press, as he did, and laying off chances for his peers in attack.

Lamine Yamal essentially created the first goal for Barcelona, but was kept relatively quiet through the game by Nuno Mendes, who put in a hell of a shift as a left-back. He will be key, regardless, and should start as the right-winger.

Raphinha · Lewandowski · Yamal
Pedri · de Jong · Gundogan
Cancelo · Cubarsi · Araujo · Kounde
ter Stegen

Substitutes

With two midfielders out, Fermin Lopez will be very important for Barcelona in any situation of the game. While he is not the best at retaining possession, the Spaniard brings a lot of intensity to any situation, which will be key defensively.

Xavi could also rely on Ferran Torres in the second half to make a difference behind the PSG backline with his runs, depending on one of Yamal or Raphinha’s performances.

Joao Cancel will have to do a lot of defensive work in this game, and could be subbed out in favour of Inigo Martinez or Hector Fort, who are more defensively adept.

‘They have great players’ – PSG defender wary of Barcelona’s threat ahead of UCL clash

 

Speaking at a press conference today, PSG defender Achraf Hakimi stated that it would be wrong for them to focus on just one Barcelona star during their game tomorrow as the Catalans have many great players.

Barcelona and PSG lock horns for the second time in less than a week, as they take on each other in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic.

Hakimi, who missed the first leg of the quarterfinal last week due to suspension, is back in the squad and attended the press conference today, along with manager Luis Enrique.

The former Real Madrid man will likely end up in a direct battle against Raphinha, who scored a brace in the first leg last week. And when asked how he plans to stop the Barcelona winger, Hakimi replied:

“I don’t think it’s only Raphinha who can create danger for us. Barça have great players who can create danger for us. We must be compact to control their players and dominate the match.”

“I think our strength is our collective strength, not our individuality. When we attack or defend together we are better. If we dominate that, we have a better chance of winning the game,” he added.

PSG will have some insider information about Barcelona thanks to Ousmane Dembele, who left the Catalans for the French champions last summer. On what the winger has told them about Barça, Hakimi said:

“The truth is that it’s not just him who knows Barça. They’ve spoken to us quite well about the players, we have to know what their strengths are and from there we have to try to control the game ourselves to win.”

On the hostile reception that PSG will likely receive tomorrow, Hakimi said: “I don’t think it will affect us. On the pitch, it’s 11 against 11 and we will try to show that we are ready. The fans shouldn’t influence us.”

PSG go into the game with a slight disadvantage, having lost the first leg 3-2 at home, but Hakimi vowed that the team will fight hard to turn things around, saying:

“It’s true that we’re at a disadvantage, but we want to change what happened in the first leg. We want to take the win to Paris.

“We’ve talked and we’ve motivated ourselves knowing what we have to do. We have trained to know how to win the match.”

On how the Parisians plan on approaching the game tomorrow, he added: “I think it’s the same idea as in the first leg, we have the style of play that the coach asked of us from the start. An attacking game and creating chances.”

Discussing what makes manager Luis Enrique stand apart, Hakimi remarked: “I think the main idea that sets him apart is the idea of dominating the game, not being in a hurry to attack. Creating triangles… It’s a daring football.”

Pedri, Cubarsi to start: Barcelona predicted line-up vs PSG

FC Barcelona are set to take on PSG in one of their most hotly anticipated clashes of the season. La Blaugrana are not exactly favorites for the encounter, despite having a one-goal advantage in the second leg. However, with two evenly matched teams set to face off, Barcelona will look to give their all.

Having rested several key players in the game against Cadiz, Xavi has already potentially hinted at his starting eleven for this encounter. Several big names will likely return to the field as starters, and Barcelona will be expected to be at their best if they hope to advance against their Parisian opponents.

Here is how Barcelona could line up against PSG.

Expected Line-up:

Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen

At the moment, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is enjoying some of his best football all season. The German international is consistently keeping clean sheets, and while that is a tall ask against a side like PSG, Barcelona will be hoping their number one between the sticks can do something similar against the Parisians.

Left-back: Joao Cancelo

Now fully rested, Joao Cancelo should be back in the team for Barcelona against PSG. The skillful Portuguese star can give Barça’s French rivals a lot of problems to deal with as long as his end product is more calculated than it was in the first leg.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi

The young 17-year-old continues to amaze with his talent and determination. Having kept a clean sheet as the standout defender in the last encounter against Cadiz as well, Barcelona is enjoying the eruption of Cubarsi within Catalonia. They will be hoping for more of the same against PSG as well.

Centre-back: Ronald Araujo

A man for big occasions, Ronald Araujo has tussled with some of Europe’s finest already. Having come up huge for Barcelona against many of those rivals, he did well to keep PSG at bay during the first leg as well. Now, when it matters most, Araujo has the opportunity to help his team out greatly.

Right-back: Jules Kounde

The Frenchman marshaled Kylian Mbappe expertly well in the first leg. A huge achievement for any defender, and even more so for a centre-back who is currently playing as a fullback. However, the tie is not over yet, and more of his defensive abilities will be needed against PSG once more.

CDM: Frenkie De Jong

The Dutch maestro of Barcelona could take on the pivot role in this game given that Andreas Christensen is suspended for the encounter. However, Barcelona will need him to put in a massive shift so that he can offer both defensive stability as well as his creativity while Barça are on the attack.

CM: Ilkay Gundogan

A former winner of the Champions League and a true veteran of the competition, Ilkay Gundogan will be a great asset for Barcelona in this game. His vision, timing, experience, and other factors should give Barcelona a great mind in a midfield battle that they simply can not afford to lose.

CM: Pedri

The choice between Fermin Lopez or Pedri will be a crucial one for Xavi, and one that he can not make an error in. However, given the likely intensity and quality of this encounter, Barcelona could do well to use Pedri’s ingenuity and creative magic to overcome a PSG side that will try to close down as much space as possible.

Left-winger: Raphinha

Raphinha’s heroics in the first leg were instrumental in helping Barcelona overcome PSG. His two goals were the major difference maker in that tie, and Xavi will be hoping that his Brazilian winger can contribute more of the same in the all-important second leg.

Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski

The Polish ace’s performance in the first leg helped Barcelona in ways besides just scoring goals. While he will be hoping to get on the scoresheet in the second leg, his hold-up play and intelligence with the ball are equally important assets for Barcelona.

Right-winger: Lamine Yamal

While Lamine Yamal did not have the most prolific of first legs by his own standards, he was influential nonetheless. The first goal came through his ingenuity, and this time around in the second leg he will be hoping to have a much more direct influence in the game.

Pedri talks Xavi, Gundogan, Gavi, Christensen, Mbappe, Cubarsi ahead of Barcelona vs PSG

 

Barcelona will lock horns with PSG in over 24 hours in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie.

Having secured a 3-2 win over the Parisian giants in the first leg in France last week, Xavi Hernandez & co. will be out to finish the job tomorrow at Estadi Lluis Companys in Montjuic.

Ahead of the big blockbuster encounter on Tuesday night, Barcelona midfield maestro Pedri appeared in front of the media for the pre-match press conference, during which he discussed several topics related to him and the team.

Kicking things off, Pedri gave an insight into the mood of the team as well as his personal sensations heading into tomorrow’s game against PSG, saying:

“The team is very eager and excited to face a match as important as the one we have tomorrow. I’m coming from a bad moment personally, but I’m really looking forward to tomorrow’s game.”

It has been yet another season filled with injuries for Pedri, with the midfielder having faced three separate spells on the sidelines. When asked how he was feeling physically, he replied

“I’m lucky that when I go on the pitch I don’t think about the injuries I’ve had. I’m at the top of my game. The desire and the excitement make up for everything else.”

Pedri’s contract with Barcelona expires in 2026 and there have been talks about a new deal being in the works for him. So, when quizzed on his future at the club, the 21-year-old remarked:

“I am very calm and I know that Barça will keep what we have talked about.”

On the importance of the game against PSG, Pedri added: “It could be the most important, like the Euro semi-finals. I’ve been thinking about playing these nights at Barcelona for a long time.”

Barcelona have been on a brilliant run of form of late, having strung together a 13-game unbeaten streak since Xavi announced his decision to leave at the end of the season.

Pedri acknowledged that the announcement has had some influence on the improvement of the team, saying:

“About Xavi’s announcement, it had to be something to do with it. We’re on a very long run and we’ve improved on clean sheets and being strong at the back. This makes a difference.”

Commenting on the condition of the squad heading into the match, the midfielder commented:

“Even though I wasn’t with the team for a long time, like Frenkie or Andreas, the team has held its own. We are a very complete squad and the important thing is to be united, especially when injuries hit.”

On who he thinks is the favourites to win on Tuesday, Pedri refrained from picking one, but stated that the fans will enjoy what’s in store.

“It’s true that everyone likes to talk about favourites. I think we are two very evenly matched teams and it’s going to be a beautiful game for the spectators. We’ll try to do our best to win it,” he remarked.

“We have to be cautious because Paris are going all out. They’re going to try to turn it around and it’s true that we have this advantage, but we have to go out and beat Paris,” the Spaniard further warned.

Pedri then lavished praise on midfield partner Ilkay Gundogan, saying it was a delight to play with the former Manchester City captain.

“Gündo is a spectacular player. Since I met him in the pre-season I’ve seen him. It’s a pleasure to play with him and I learn a lot from him in training. He has some spectacular numbers,” he remarked.

On his role in the midfield department and where he prefers to play, Pedri replied: “There are two positions in which I feel comfortable. At the base you play more of the ball and have more involvement and up top you are more for the final pass and finishing. I like both and I try to do my best.”

Discussing the maturity of this young Barcelona team, the midfielder noted that they are still working to get better on that aspect, saying:

“Yes, it’s an improvement mentally. When we concede a goal we spent 10-15 minutes hesitating. We’re young and it’s something we’re going to improve with time. In Paris, we turned it around and we have a lot of credit for what we did.”

On how the team is feeling heading into the game and if there was any message he’d like to convey to the fans, Pedri said:

“We face this game with a lot of enthusiasm and desire. We want to give the fans something to cheer about. I’d tell them to be with us, that we’ll go out there and give it our all.”

There have been doubts about whether Pedri is ready to play the full 90 minutes given that he has only recently returned from injury. When asked if he felt up for it, the midfielder said:

“I feel strong and I always want to play in these games. As long as I’m up for it, I’ll give everything on the pitch. After that, I’ll ask for a substitution if I have to.”

Earlier today, Barcelona president Joan Laporta showed up at the training session to provide his support to the team. Discussing what he told the squad, Pedri stated:

“He told us to give our all and to go out to the game with a lot of enthusiasm. The presi passed that on to us.”

Pedri then heaped praise on Barcelona youngster Pau Cubarsi, praising him for his distribution skills at the age of 17, saying:

“I love him. A centre-back who filters so many balls is a joy for the team. I’ve never seen a centre-back with those characteristics at the age of 17. In the duels it’s difficult to see him lose one. He’s a great person and I laugh a lot with him.”

The midfielder also commented on the absences of Sergi Roberto and Andreas Christensen, who are suspended for tomorrow’s game, as he said:

“Andreas and Sergi helped us a lot. I’m going to go out intense, to win every game. Let’s hope we don’t notice the absentees.”

The Spanish international also had a few words to say about his good friend and fellow midfielder Gavi, who is currently injured.

“With long injuries like Balde and Gavi it’s complicated. It hurts my soul, because I know what he is feeling. Of course this goes for him and the injured,” remarked Pedri.

On the threat posed by Kylian Mbappe and PSG, Pedri said: “You have to have the ball and make sure they don’t create chances. Not just Kylian, but also Ous [Ousmane Dembele] and Barcola. We have to try to make up for the advantages they have in one-on-ones.”

Reminiscing the 6-1 remontada against PSG from 2017, Pedri insisted that he hoped this Barcelona side can give fans similar joy tomorrow.

“It’s a game that sticks in your mind. I couldn’t believe how it happened. These are games that stick in your mind and I hope we can give the fans another joy,” he said.

Signing off, Pedri stated what he expects from tomorrow’s game, saying: “It’s going to be an intense game and they’re going to press us up front. Everyone is going to fight for possession.

“Both teams want it and it’s difficult to make up for it when another team plays well. Whoever has the ball will win the game.”

OUSMANE DEMBÉLÉ GIVEN HOSTILE RECEPTION UPON BARCELONA RETURN

“I regretted his departure, he was in an extraordinary moment. I don’t him and I will greet him,” said Barcelona manager Xavi in the run-up to Paris Saint-Germain’s visit on Tuesday. The Barcelona fans were not quite as hospitable.

PSG triggered the release clause in Dembélé’s contract in the summer, bringing his time at the Nou Camp to a close. The Frenchman’s time at Barcelona was marred by injuries and therefore a lack of rhythm but at the time of his departure, Dembélé looked to be hitting his stride.

However, Dembélé was keen for a new challenge and a return to France was confirmed before the start of the season. Whilst, statistically speaking, Dembélé hasn’t had the strongest debut season at PSG, he has quickly earned the faith of manager Luís Enrique, who has described the winger as “the most destabilising player in the world.”

In the first leg of PSG’s quarter-final encounter with Barcelona last Wednesday, Dembélé got on the scoresheet for just the second time this season and despite scoring against his former side, did not hold back in his celebration. How he will be received in Barcelona on Tuesday remains a mystery but if Monday was anything to go by, it may be quite hostile.

As he stepped off the team bus on Monday afternoon, Dembélé was booed by Barcelona fans who had gathered at Les Parisiens’ team hotel. He should probably expect more of the same on Tuesday. Watch the video of PSG’s arrival in Barcelona HERE.

Xavi talks Pedri, Yamal, Cubarsi, Dembele, Raphinha, Guardiola, Enrique ahead of Barcelona vs PSG

Barcelona get set to take on PSG in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals tomorrow in Montjuic.

The Blaugrana go into the game with a slight advantage thanks to a 3-2 win from the first leg at Parc des Princes in France last week.

And the aim is to finish the job at home on Tuesday night and secure a spot in the semifinals of the competition, where they would be facing one of Atletico Madrid or Borussia Dortmund.

On the eve of the match, Xavi addressed the media at his pre-match press conference, talking about the situation and mentality of the team heading into perhaps the biggest game of the season thus far.

Starting things off, Xavi gave an insight into what he expects to see from PSG and the game in general tomorrow, as he said:

“It’s a great opportunity for us as a club. We’re playing at home and Montjuïc has to resemble the great nights at Camp Nou. PSG will not go out to speculate and will match our man-to-man system.

We have to show a lot of personality to get through to the semi-finals. It will be a brave PSG and we have home advantage, but it will be a very difficult game. We’re excited in the good sense of the word.”

On his personal feelings heading into the contest, Xavi remarked: “I’m feeling good, motivated for tomorrow. I’m very proud to be able to qualify for the semi-finals. Barcelona fans are too. It’s a great opportunity.

“Victories are a relief, but defeats don’t let you breathe. I’m with Ancelotti. I’m euphoric and excited to be where we are.”

Stressing the importance of two of his midfield stalwarts in Pedri and Ilkay Gundogan, Xavi said: “I like them both. I can imagine them making the last pass. It’s the great quality they have. They give us pause and tempo.

“Tomorrow is a difficult game for the midfielders. We will be up against one of the most intense teams in the world. If Gündogan and Pedri have space and time, we’ll gain a lot.”

When asked if Pedri is ready to play the full 90 minutes a week after returning from injury, the Barcelona manager replied:

“Everyone who will be called up can play the full 90 minutes. With Pedri we will talk about fatigue. Pedri has to be very important tomorrow.”

The Barça boss also lamented the absences of Andreas Christensen and Sergi Roberto, who miss out due to suspension, saying:

“Christensen and Sergi are very important for us. The suspensions hurt us. The key for tomorrow is to be a team. We have to give our all to get through to the semi-finals. If we are a team, we will have the numbers to reach the semi-finals.”

Opening up on what Barcelona president Joan Laporta told him during today’s training session, Xavi said:

“He told me that he wanted to stay in the team to play. There is enthusiasm again and you can see it in the people, but also in the president. Today he wanted to be with the team to give his support and confidence.

“I’m happy to see him excited. We have regained the enthusiasm that was missing during the season.”

PSG go into the game boosted by the return of one of their key players, Achraf Hakimi, who is back after missing the first leg through suspension. On whether it impacts how Barcelona will play tomorrow, Xavi said:

“Luis and PSG have so many options that you don’t know which variant they will use. We have to understand that we have to have a very clear structure. Tomorrow we will repeat the game, with a few variations. It’s all about the players. Our players were at a brilliant level.”

On the dangers that PSG will pose, the Barcelona boss commented: “PSG or Luis Enrique’s teams always go on the attack. Even more so tomorrow when they are behind on the scoreboard.”

Xavi also spoke about returning former Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele and how he was greeted with insults when he arrived in Catalonia earlier today, saying:

“I greeted him before the game. People show what they want, that’s why they are the public.”

On how he felt after the Frenchman’s summer departure from Barcelona to PSG, Xavi said: “I felt bad about Ousmane because he was in an extraordinary moment here. I don’t hold a grudge against him and tomorrow I will greet him with respect. I’m very fond of him.”

Stressing that the emotional aspects will be equally important as the tactical side to win the game, Xavi stated:

“Very important. In head-to-head ties, feelings are important. We have to control ourselves a lot and show the best side and personality of the team. The emotional aspect is key in the playoffs.”

Amid reports that Barcelona fans want to create a ‘pressure cooker’ situation for PSG tomorrow in Montjuic, Xavi welcomed the idea, claiming that the stadium must turn into a cauldron.

“Tomorrow we need Montjuïc to be a cauldron. It’s very important for the club and I’m sure the fans will help us,” he remarked.

The topic of his future after the end of the season was once again broached, but Xavi waved it off saying: “You worry too much about me. The important thing is for the club to go through to the semi-finals, not for me to go anywhere.”

The Barcelona manager then went on to talk about how Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique, and Luis Aragones are three coaches that left the biggest impression on him, as he said:

“Perhaps along with Luis Aragones, they are the three coaches who have left the biggest mark on me. With Pep, Luis and Luis Enrique. When I think about what I have to do, I remember them a lot. They have shaped me. That’s my reality.”

The Barcelona manager then earmarked Raphinha as someone who can make a difference for the team tomorrow, like he did in the first leg, saying:

“He thinks about the team and the group. Everyone is thinking about the collective. This is where the improvement comes from. Raphinha has a lot of ability and talent. He can be a difference maker as he was in the first leg.”

On the youngsters, Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal, he said: “They are two people who are talkative and always want to be better. I don’t have to explain much to them. It’s a Champions League night and it’s a great opportunity. There’s no need for extra motivation.”

On what it means to reach the semi-finals, given Barcelona’s recent struggles in Europe, Xavi said:

“It would be one more reason to make it more mystical. To reach the semi-finals would be a resounding success. To see the Culés like that again is already a success, but the objective is to reach the semi-finals and that would be very exciting.”

On whether he feels liberated now, Xavi remarked: “No doubt about it. Me, the players and the press. I had more of a feeling of belonging and it worked out great.”

 

Why Raphinha is likely to start for Barcelona over Joao Felix in PSG return clash

Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images

Come tomorrow night, FC Barcelona will play one of their most important fixtures of the ongoing season as they host PSG in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

The Blaugrana hold a slight advantage going into the second leg after having beaten Les Parisiens 3-2 away from home last week.

But the job is far from done and PSG will not make things easy for the reigning La Liga champions come Tuesday.

Having given a rest to most of his regular starters this past weekend, Xavi already has a clear picture of what his starting XI would look like, barring a couple of doubts.

One of those doubts is whether to start Joao Felix or Raphinha on the left flank. The Brazilian was given a break against Cadiz, as he made way for Felix, who capitalised on his chance and emerged as the match-winner.

Raphinha likely to start

Joao Felix put in a fine performance against Cadiz on Saturday night, capped off by a stunning goal which proved to be the match-winner on the night.

he Portuguese international has put his hands up and come up clutch in times of need for Barcelona on many occasions now.

Despite that, though, on Tuesday night, it is Raphinha who is likely to start against PSG on the left flank for the Blaugrana.

Raphinha Barcelona
Raphinha scored a brace against PSG last week. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

The 27-year-old enjoyed a dream game in the first leg in Paris, scoring a brace and generally impacting the match in a huge way, which in itself warrants him a start.

On top of that, another major reason for Raphinha being in a better position to start on the left, ahead of Joao Felix, is his defensive work rate.

PSG will be bolstered by the return of Achraf Hakimi on Tuesday after the Moroccan right-back missed the last game through suspension.

Given his attacking nature and the threat that he poses going forward on the right side, the danger of Hakimi and Ousmane Dembele doubling up on Joao Cancelo becomes very much real.

As such, Barcelona would stand to benefit from having a hard-working winger like Raphinha, who is not shy of tracking back and putting in a shift off the ball.