Xavi Hernández has appeared at the press conference prior to the key Champions League match against Benfica. Barcelona is playing for continuity in the top European competition, since a defeat would make the Catalans not depend on themselves on the last day against Bayern.
Differences to the match against Espanyol: “I am more than satisfied with the team. We suffered against Espanyol, but seeing the repeated match I appreciated that we were very good until the end of the match. The last ten minutes of the match, Espanyol was better. The rest of the match, the team It was very good. Tomorrow’s game will be very difficult. Benfica are a very physical and hard-working team. They can get you into your field with ease. The pace and intensity will be very strong. If we win, we qualify. “
Barça, superior to Benfica ?: “We have to show it on the pitch, it’s easy to talk. We were better than Espanyol and we deserved to win. Tomorrow we’ll see, football is to show things on the pitch. We can’t get our chest out, we’re not in a moment to get it out. But Why not be optimistic? You have to be positive and brave. We have to go on the attack and try to win three points. “
Low: “Neither Ilias nor Abde nor Ferran will be able to play for a matter of registrations. We will see how Dest, Dembélé and Sergi Roberto are doing. They are about to recover. We have two training sessions and we will see. We do not have pure extremes, Coutinho or Demir can play, but the extremes are low. We will try to win the game. “
Pedri: “He deserves it. The performance he has given is extraordinary. He has made a difference and he deserves it. It is a very prestigious award. He is going through a difficult time due to the injury. It is a complicated injury and he has had a small one. complication. We want to get it back as soon as possible, it’s very important. We hope it doesn’t relapse, which is the most important thing. “
Most important game in your time as a coach ?: “It is because it is next. This is Barça, competing every 3 days. I see it as an opportunity, I don’t feel an added pressure. I try to be honest. Football always has revenge. Now it comes to us after losing there 3-0. Let’s go for the game. It’s a challenge and I love challenges. “