Xavi Discusses Team System And Approach Ahead Of FC Barcelona-Manchester United Europa League Clash

FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has discussed his team’s system and approach towards a Europa League playoff second leg against Manchester United on Thursday.

The Blaugrana and the Red Devils have it all to play for following a thrilling 2-2 draw at Camp Nou last Thursday.

In the return meeting at Old Trafford, Xavi expects a “very difficult match” with United “one of the best teams in Europe” in their best version of recent years.

“Mentality, rhythm, passion, they showed it at Camp Nou and we have to match them. The fans will pressure us a lot. We have to have personality and a lot of intensity, as well as the mentality of beating a big team in Europe. It’s the perfect scenery.”

Due to injuries and suspensions, it is unknown whether Xavi will stick with his system of four midfielders or revert back to a 4-3-3.

“I have decided, but the idea does not change,” he said. “We have to occupy the spaces, we are a very offensive team. [We have to ] understand the game.”

Xavi said that Barca have to show they can compete in Europe, and that his approach will depend “on how the game goes”.

“All scenarios are possible,” Xavi noted of a tie where away goals no longer count. “Extra time, penalties, our idea will not vary much. Attack, be protagonists, pressure them. [Make sure] that they don’t feel comfortable. They put passion into the Camp Nou [game] and we have to match it.”

Broached on an injury to Pedri and a suspension Gavi has, Xavi also wanted to highlight Ousmane Dembele’s absence on the right wing through a thigh knock.

“Pedri gives you order [in] midfield, he does not lose balls and Gavi is pure passion, which is what we need tomorrow. There are alternatives to put things in order, [to have] intensity, and to face [them] one against one on the wing”.

Xavi said that the keys to victory will be “intensity, duels, [and] having personality.”

“To play without fear, to forget about what has happened in recent years in Europe,” he added.

Admitting that getting knocked out of the Europa League would be a “deception”, Xavi said that the Europa League is a “very good opportunity”.

“It is Europe, [against] a strong rival. We arrive at a good time, with confidence, as leaders in the league, [having] already [won] a title. But it’s another exam, another competition. You have to have a lot of mentality,” he insisted.