Goodbye to bad omens. Away with pessimism. Let the tremors end. Xavi Hernández called in Porto for Barça and Barcelona fans to turn the page on all the European disappointments of recent seasons. Because it is in the hands of him and his players, starting this Wednesday, to begin to change that negativity based on real events. “We have to abandon these ghosts, we can think that everything will turn out well, we have Gündogan and we have Cancelo who have won the Champions League. We have to be optimistic and we have to compete through the game. It will be difficult because Porto has a very good level, but
We started to play as leaders, we have to play without complexes and with all the personality in the world,” reflected the Barcelona coach.
On the way to two years in office, Xavi believes that his team is beginning to gain maturity and with the new players they can aspire to make the leap in Europe.
“We have players with one more year of experience, now with titles with us, we have been working with them for more years, we have strengthened ourselves well, and we have enthusiasm, faith, hope to be at the level that should be demanded of a player and a Barça coach in the Champions League. Now we have to demonstrate it in an ideal, perfect and dreamed scenario. We have no feeling of fear or hesitation.”
These songs of hope do not hide, as Xavi well admits, that Europe has been Barça’s big problem for a long time. “There is no doubt that it is the great pending issue of our project,” he acknowledged.
For this to begin to change, and reach at least the round of 16, fields like Do Dragão can be a good measuring stick. “Yes, it is a test because we face an aggressive, dynamic team, with a great coach. An opponent with a lot of speed, capable of defending and pressing, very physical, who wins many duels,” Xavi analyzed.
The Barcelona coach sees Fermín ready to participate, either as a starter or as a substitute and wants to relieve pressure on Lamine Yamal. “I hope it marks an era and he is playing at a brutal level, but we are not doing him any favors if we compare him to Messi. Everyone who has compared themselves to him has not done well,” he recalled.
He arrives in Porto for his 100th match and along the way he has learned to temper his spirits. “Now I know not to be too euphoric when things are going well or too defeatist when they are going badly. I have to maintain an emotional balance, naturally and competitively. I have learned to balance myself,” he concluded.
