FC Barcelona face Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys with just one objective in mind: a victory. A win for Xavi Hernández’s team would see them through to the last 16 of this seasons’ competition with a game to spare in Group H.
“If we win then we are assured of top spot. After the last two seasons it is a great chance. We are going into the game really motivated, in front of our own fans and let’s hope it is a magical night,” said Xavi Hernández in his pre-match press conference at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Monday.
“There is a lot at stake, that’s obvious, it’s an important game for us in this year’s competition,” added the Barça boss before calling on the fans for help. “The fans have to come and get behind us, as they have been doing so far. It will be vital because away at Porto it was tough, they are a very strong team.
“It’s an important test for us. We have to be self-critical and say lately we have not played how we have wanted to, but we are on the right path. It’s a great opportunity for it to be a turning point,” reasoned Xavi.
“We have to be a competitive beast”
As well as focusing on the game against Porto, the Barça coach also touched on the side’s current form. For the boss, “results make the season.”
“We have to keep working to get our game back…That is Barça. It’s pressure but for me nothing has changed. We have to plan games well to compete as best we can. I have blind faith in my team and my coaching staff. We are a unit and for that reason I think things will work out,” said Xavi.
To round off he concluded: “The diagnosis is clear and we are getting that across to the players. We have to change our mentality and be a competitive beast. We have to go after the game from the off.”
