There is no more margin for error. Barça plays half the season against Inter Milan this Wednesday at a Spotify Camp Nou that will be packed. The defeat at the Giuseppe Meazza a week ago forces the Blaugrana to add the three points against the Italians to stay alive in the Champions League and not start thinking about the torture of the Europa League.
With hardly any time to consolidate a team with potential but still to be done, Xavi Hernández faces the first final of the season with optimism and motivation. At least that was the message that he wanted to convey 24 hours before the game to the fans, necessary to push the team on one of those nights that the Terrassa coach hopes will be “magical”.
“We are in an uncomfortable situation but we face it in the best possible way. We have a lot at stake. We will go on the attack, bravely, against an Inter similar to that of Milan. We have to vary things, be more aggressive, reach the area and shoot from outside Only the three points are worth us”, he recalled at a press conference.
Xavi sees the match as “an opportunity” for the whole team due to its importance. “In a game like this I would rather be a player than a coach tomorrow, it’s an opportunity for all of them.”
“You don’t have to lower your intensity or your guard. There is talent and a desire for revenge. You have to give everything so that the victory stays here.” That desire to go for the game should not, however, turn into anxiety if the goal does not come soon. “We have to be calm because we have ninety minutes. They will be closed and we will have to look for spaces with patience and calm.”
For the Barça coach it is essential that the players do not “feel the pressure” on the pitch and that they “enjoy the game”. “At home and with the Camp Nou full, it’s to enjoy”, pointed out the most Cruyffista version of Xavi. What he does not want is to put the bandage before the wound. “I don’t think about the consequences if there isn’t a good result. I’m an optimist by nature. Regardless of their losses, we have a clear idea of ??how to play.”
The arbitration controversy in San Siro is closed for Xavi. “May that indignation serve you to vindicate us because we deserved something more, may that internal rage make us play better and go on the attack.”
Xavi did not want to personalize with any footballer, nor with Robert Lewandowski despite having gone more unnoticed in recent games. “We have to play with him more and closer, partner more and look further forward to make him feel more comfortable.” And lastly, he calls for unity as a “group” and “family.” “Whatever happens, let the people be proud of the team.”
For this match, Xavi recovers Frenkie de Jong, who will have minutes against Inter. He can even be a starter. Jules Koundé will not be there yet, although the Catalan coach is confident that he will make it to Sunday’s classic at the Bernabeu. For his part, Franck Kessié trained with his teammates for the first time in a week just after the press conference.
