Barcelona supervisor Xavi (AFP)
Xavi hailed now PSG coach Luis Enrique, who led the Catalans to the trophy in 2015, the final time the Spanish champions conquered Europe.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez mentioned Saturday Paris Saint-Germain had been the favourites of their upcoming Champions League quarter-remaining tussle.
The Catalans, 5-time winners of the competitors, face former coach Luis Enrique’s French champions, however though PSG are nonetheless trying to win the trophy for the primary time, Xavi believes they’re the stronger facet.
“I’d give them the favourites tag — we have won more Champions Leagues, but the economic situation they are in, signing players (compared to) what we can spend, it’s not the same situation,” Xavi advised a information convention.
“They won’t beat us on hope, desire, and dreaming though, we watched the draw together and the players are positive and looking forward to competing.
“We have to show it on the pitch — it’s easy to talk and then do nothing — we must speak on the pitch, and show our talent and worth there.”
Led by a rampant Kylian Mbappe, PSG cruised to a 5-2 combination victory over Barcelona within the 2020-21 season on the final 16 stage.
However, Luis Enrique’s Barcelona recorded an historic comeback victory to beat PSG 6-1 at Camp Nou within the 2016-17 season, after a 4-0 away defeat, to succeed in the quarter-finals.
Xavi hailed now PSG coach Luis Enrique, who led the Catalans to the trophy in 2015, the final time the Spanish champions conquered Europe.
“It’s so hard, they are one of the toughest teams we could have drawn,” mentioned Xavi.
“I know Luis Enrique and his staff very well, he is a brilliant coach, and they work very well… but I have confidence and hope.
“We’ve drawn one of the hardest opponents but having the second leg at home is positive for us.”
The Spanish champions journey to Paris for the primary leg on April 10, with the second leg on the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona on April 16.
This weekend Barcelona, third, go to fourth-place Atletico Madrid in La Liga, trying to prolong the six-level hole.
Diego Simeone’s facet beat Champions League runners-up Inter Milan on penalties on Wednesday additionally to succeed in the quarter-finals, the place they face Borussia Dortmund.
“We’re arriving well, but they are in high confidence too,” mentioned Xavi.
“They are a Champions League level team; they showed it the other day and it’s even more true in front of their fans.”
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed – AFP)
