‘We are competing with teenagers’ – Xavi thinks PSG are still favorites to go through

Despite beating Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final, Barcelona manager Xavi has said that PSG are still favourites to go through.

Speaking after the match, Xavi openly expressed his satisfaction, but he also reminded everyone that there are another ninety minutes to play in the second leg. 

He emphasized that nothing is guaranteed yet in the overall outcome of the match while stating, “PSG are still the favourite. It will be very difficult to win in Barcelona,” as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

By defeating PSG, Barcelona not only moved closer to the Champions League semi-final but also ended a long-standing curse in Europe’s premier competition. 

Barça had not won a knockout match in the Champions League for five years, except for the last two years when they didn’t even qualify for the round of 16.

“It is a moment to be proud, a great victory against one of the best teams in the world. But we are halfway there, it will be very difficult in Barcelona.”

“I am another Barcelona fan and I am proud, but this is not over,” added the manager.

Everything went as planned

The manager explained that everyone executed the idea to perfection. 

Expressing his satisfaction with the performance, Xavi said that Robert Lewandowski was the anchor of the attack as his hold-up allowed others to move.

“Everything went very well, I would highlight the defensive work, they understood it very well. 

“We had to match that square that PSG made, but they also matched, with individual duels. Robert held balls and then left Lamine Yamal or Raphinha with an advantage.” 

“We have shown personality in the face of difficulties, it is very difficult to resist PSG’s pressure,” he said.

The brilliance of Pau Cubari

Pau Cubarsi put on a great show against PSG. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Xavi was in awe of how his defence stayed firm despite early setbacks, saying that the attitude shown by the players…

Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/we-are-competing-with-teenagers-xavi-thinks-psg-are-still-favorites-to-go-through/

Author : Ash Reyna

Publish date : 2024-04-11 06:22:00

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