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.”
