Xavi has dismissed Barcelona’s tag as the favourites for the UEFA Europa League, insisting that his players need to be humble and careful.
Speaking after Barcelona’s UEFA Europa League knockout playoffs win over Napoli, as quoted by Barca Universal, Xavi Hernandez has addressed their chances to win the UEFA Europa League. The manager was quick to dismiss the Blaugrana’s tag as favourites for the competition, insisting that his team needs to continue putting in the hard work.
It has been a gradual process, but Xavi Hernandez is finally getting Barcelona to play a fluid and eye-catching brand of football. The Blaugrana initially struggled to get crucial wins, which sent them out of the UEFA Champions League and Copa del Rey, while falling behind in the top-four race.
But the recent turnaround has brought Barcelona back inside the top four ahead of defending La Liga champions Atletico Madrid. The Catalan giants are also into the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 after beating Napoli in the knockout playoffs second leg emphatically.
Speaking in the aftermath of the win, Xavi Hernandez was visibly delighted with his team’s display but urged his players to remain humble. The Barcelona boss said, “I’m happy for the team, happy for the work, for the effort… We played very good football. This was a match of courage and personality.
“This game wasn’t easy. We have to keep playing well, be humble, and play as a team. Today was a great game and I’m very happy, we have to keep going like this.”
Xavi was then quizzed about Barcelona’s prospects in the Europa League, to which he replied, “I can’t say we are Europa League favourites. We have to continue to work hard in every match. We haven’t achieved anything yet. We have to be humble and careful.
“This was a very good match against a Champions League level opponent, but we cannot take anything for granted. The reality is that Napoli were the best possible opponent we could draw. We’re confident after this win, but we have to be humble.”
Barcelona will face Galatasaray in the next round of the UEFA Europa League, which should be a tricky test for Xavi and his men.
