Barcelona faces the League match against Atlético de Madrid at the Metropolitano with confidence through the roof and convinced that progress to the Champions League quarterfinals against Naples with a notable performance could be the definitive turning point. “I see enthusiasm in the people. On an economic level we have done very well, therefore it gives us stability and this point of enthusiasm that was needed,” acknowledged Xavi Hernández.
Even so, the coach keeps his feet on the ground and is aware that in the next European tie, Luis Enrique’s PSG “is the favorite, I know Luis Enrique, he is one of the best coaches in Europe. But it is time to dream Yesterday we all watched the draw together and people are positive,” he added.
Given the talent of footballers like Mbappé, Barcelona responds with the talent of La Masia, which this year is represented by footballers like Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal, both minors. “Both Luis Enrique and the staff will see that we have positive and negative things. Maybe they see an inexperienced team, but we are very excited and want to play two excellent games,” said the coach.
Precisely Lamine Yamal and, for the first time, Pau Cubarsí, entered Luis de la Fuente’s list for the next two friendlies that will act as a test bed for the Euro Cup. “Luis de la Fuente is brave. He has a lot left but I am happy for Pau Cubarsi because he deserves it. Let’s hope that the Pedri case is not repeated but I can’t decide if he goes to the Olympic Games and Euro Cup,” he said. .
For the match against Atlético de Madrid in their fortress where no one has won this season in the League, Xavi brings back Ferran Torres and Marco Alonso. “It will cost us for sure but both teams will arrive in a very good state of confidence. It hasn’t been lost in the League since we went last year,” Xavi recalled.
He will return to Metropolitano João Félix to face his former team. “He already played a great game in the first leg and I hope he does it again tomorrow. We need the best João Félix against a great team. Personally, as a player, I liked hostile environments to show what you’re worth. João Félix has a strong and positive character. He has “I want to show that talent and tomorrow he and the team must be important to win the game. He has all the characteristics to play a great game tomorrow,” said Xavi.
On the other side of the board will be two ex-Azulgranas – also extra motivated – like Memphis and Griezmann. “I like Griezmann a lot, I would say that he is an organizer. He organizes the entire Atlético de Madrid attack. He did not continue here mainly because of the salary limit, because of the economy. And we know Memphis perfectly, when he is motivated and inspired he is capable to do what he did the other day against Inter. He is a player who already created problems for us in the first leg, after seeing him in the last game he will surely have minutes,” said Xavi.
The coach and his board have come out stronger after the good performance against Naples. “I feel like it went well. We always try to think of the best for the group, the other day everything went well. For me, it was a magical night in Montjuïc, that’s what we’re left with,” said the coach, who added that, although as of June 30, no will be barred by a turn of events, participates in planning for next year “because I love this club. We speak every two or three days with the president and with Deco every day. They know what I think and the situation and today they don’t “nothing changes. I will continue until June 30 and then, in principle, I will rest.”
