The key to Reaching the Semifinals? Xavi has it clear
Barcelona's coach, Xavi Hernández, stated that if his players approach the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal against Paris Saint-Germain as a team, they'll have "plenty of options" to secure a spot in the competition's semifinals.
During the pre-match press conference, the Catalan coach urged his players to "give it their all" and called on Barcelona fans to create an atmosphere at Montjuïc Stadium reminiscent of "the magical nights at Camp Nou."
Xavi envisions a match similar to the first leg, describing it as a "football war" where he expects his team to show "a lot of personality" to reach the semifinals five years later.
"I'm very proud to be in the quarterfinals and have the opportunity to qualify for the semifinals. I'm excited for tomorrow's match. Wins bring relief, and defeats suffocate you as a coach. I'm very euphoric and excited to be where we are," he emphasized.
While expressing his excitement, the Catalan coach also urged caution, reminding everyone that despite the first-leg defeat (2-3), PSG is "one of the best teams in the world," making it a "very difficult and evenly matched" duel.
"PSG or Luis Enrique's teams always attack. Especially tomorrow, as they're trailing on the scoreboard. If they haven't speculated throughout the season, tomorrow will be no different," he reflected.
Therefore, he considered emotional control to be another key aspect of the match: "We must control our emotions, temperaments, be protagonists because it will be very difficult."
One of the lineup uncertainties for the match is whether midfielder Pedro González 'Pedri,' who was cleared from his last injury before the first leg, will start.
In this regard, he noted that all those called up "can play the full 90 minutes," and the Canary Islands-born player, who provided an assist in the first leg, "has to be very important."
Xavi once again praised PSG coach Luis Enrique Martínez, stating that he has been the coach who has influenced him the most alongside Luis Aragonés and Pep Guardiola.
The Barcelona coach also appreciated the support shown by club president Joan Laporta before the first team's training session.
"He told me he wanted to stay in the rondo to play. There's enthusiasm again, you can see it in the people, but also in the president. Today, he wanted to be with the team to offer his support and confidence. I'm happy to see him excited. We've regained the enthusiasm that was lacking during the season."