FC Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez opened up on their UEFA Champions League quarter-final draw against Paris Saint-Germain saying that the Catalan club has more history.
The last time Barcelona played the Champions League quarter-final was in 2020 against Bayern Munich where they were handed an infamous 8-2 defeat in a one-legged tie.
Xavi insisted that the match against PSG would be very tough as they are not just an excellent team but are also managed by a top coach in Luis Enrique.
“Very difficult, one of the most difficult opponents we could have faced. I know Luis Enrique and his staff, how they work. I have confidence and enthusiasm. We face one of the most difficult rivals, although we have the return leg at home. It’s time to dream,” Xavi explained.
“Maybe yes, I don’t like the indulgent thing. Maybe I would give the role of the favourite to PSG, beyond history because we have more Champions Leagues.”
Xavi wasn’t shy to admit that the Barcelona team is very inexperienced as compared to PSG and Enrique will look to exploit that weakness. However, the former midfielder did say that while being inexperienced, the team is full of passion.
“They have the feeling that we have a very young Barca with talent, but inexperience. Perhaps they are right. Both Luis Enrique and the staff will see that we have positive and negative things.
"Maybe you see an inexperienced team, but we have a lot of enthusiasm and the desire to play two excellent games. We have it very difficult, they are one of the best teams in Europe and one of the best coaches in Europe,” Xavi said.
UCL Quarter-finals:
Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
Atletico de Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund
Real Madrid vs Manchester City
Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona
