Xavi: "You have to forget the last few years in Europe and compete"

BARCELONA, 22 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The coach of FC Barcelona, ​​Xavi Hernández, assured that at Old Trafford they will undergo a tough test, against Manchester United in the second leg of the Europa League play-offs, in which they will have to show that they are capable of playing against a "big player in Europe" and compete, not as happened in the past in recent editions of the Champions League, including the current season.

"It's an exam, in Europe and against a strong opponent. It's a very good opportunity for us, we arrived at a good time and with confidence. It's another exam, in another competition, and we have to show it and have a lot of intensity, tomorrow. We have to forget the last years in Europe and come what may, compete", he assured at a press conference.

Despite the fact that having to win and go through can be added pressure, Xavi assured that he tells his players that the pressure is on him. "I tell you that I would give anything to play this game. Controlling emotions, yes, it would be important," he qualified.

"Tomorrow is a very difficult game. Manchester United is one of the best teams in Europe at the moment, the best Manchester in recent years. At the Camp Nou they showed mentality, rhythm, and we have to match that here. We know it's a very difficult and complicated scenario", stated the Blaugrana coach.

In addition, Old Trafford "will push a lot" and believes that they should have a lot of personality in the green of the 'Theater of Dreams'. "We have to show our personality and our game model and with a lot of intensity. Especially with the mentality to win a big game in Europe, because United have returned and are already competing for the Premier. It's the perfect setting to show that Barça can compete against a big one from Europe", he reiterated.

"It is an ideal scenario to change and improve the situation. This year we were not up to the 'Champions', we will see if we are up to the Europa League, against the most difficult rival. Let's compete tomorrow and see where we are, but we cannot say that Barça has returned or is more secure", he added.

Just in case, he is prepared for everything. "All scenarios are possible, we can go to extra time and penalties, we can lose and win. Our idea will not vary much, it will be to go on the attack and be the protagonists, dominate through the ball and better in the opposite field. But we have to match their intensity and passion, at the Camp Nou they put all five senses in. It is a great team at the moment, United", he valued.

Xavi commented on the important losses of Ousmane Dembélé, Pedri and Gavi. "Dembélé is fundamental for us, because he fixes the defence. Pedri is a reference on the field of play, gives order to the midfield and doesn't lose balls. And Gavi is pure passion and intensity, which is just what we need tomorrow. We have to do what they do without them, we have alternatives so that these casualties are not noticed," he said.

Asked about the possible return of Leo Messi to FC Barcelona, ​​he assured: "the best player in history would always fit in". "I already said that this is his house and that the doors are open. From there, I can say little. It is evident that this is his house, there is no doubt," he said.