Xavi Hernández: “PSG Is the Favorite”
FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández attributed the role of favorite to PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals, mainly due to economic reasons.
"Perhaps the favorite role would lean more towards PSG. Beyond the history of both teams, considering we have more Champions League titles than them, the economic situation is not the same when you look at what they have spent this season compared to us," evaluated the Catalan coach.
Speaking from the press room at the Joan Gamper Sports City, Xavi explained that the team watched Friday's draw together and is "highly motivated," "positive," and "eager to compete" against what he described as "one of the best teams in Europe."
"It's a very tough opponent, one of the most difficult ones we could have faced. I know Luis Enrique; he's a brilliant coach, and his teams are very well prepared. They are one of the worst opponents we could have drawn, but we have enthusiasm and hope to have a great quarter-final. It's two games, and the home leg is a positive point for us," commented the Barcelona coach.
Xavi emphasized that it's "time to dream and compete," although he admitted that the young Barcelona squad has "a bit of inexperience in the Champions League" compared to PSG's, but he highlighted that this Barça team possesses "a lot of talent" and "belief."
"We dream of reaching the semi-finals, and hopefully, we'll have two excellent games to beat one of the best teams in Europe and one of the best coaches in Europe," concluded Xavi at the end of the press conference.
