Xavi: “With the emergencies at Barça, it’s a final”

Xavi spoke in the press room of the Stadio Diego Maradona in the preview of the Napoli-Barça match in the second leg of the playoff for access to the round of 16 of the Europa League.

How do you face the match taking into account the result of the first leg?

We would face it the same as if we had won 2-1 or 3-1. We have to have the ball. I think Napoli will push us higher, because they suffered in the second half. I think there will be a football war. It’s a shame we didn’t do our homework at home, but we have no choice but to risk it here. Tomorrow is an important test. We must insist on the idea more than ever. I think they will push hard. But we will see. We want to see Napoli in their field. It will be difficult. A battle for the ball. It’s Europe, it’s hard. It’s complicated for us.

Is it a game of tension?

In the end, I have already said many times that, with the urgencies that exist in Barça today, it is a final. We didn’t do our homework at home and we have to play it here. It is difficult for us. But go for it. We want to show that we want to compete. To compete, not to have complexes. Let’s see how far we get. We are making improvements. But it worries because it is the next game.

What does it mean that Maradona surrounds this tie and that it is played in a stadium that bears his name?

It is an extra motivation. He is a player who moved us all. We continue to get excited about Maradona. Because Messi appeared. If not, we would talk about the best player of all time. It is a responsibility, an honor.

Would it be a failure not to come tomorrow?

It would be a big disappointment. It is Europe and we want to show that we want to compete. Let’s be optimistic. We competed very well in the first leg. We have to play it. We want to be competitive, dominant in the game. If we see the Barça that we are seeing lately, we can go through. I predict a tough game. But if we play well, the result will come. But this is football. We will be closer to winning games if we play well. And I think we are growing. It’s not just about results, it’s about sensations. We need more results, yes.

What would you suggest that there is only one player from the quarry?

I am not in the day to day to know what happens. The home footballers give a plus. Titles have always been won here when there are people from the house.

You got very wet for Dembélé upon arrival. Do you regret not having taken him to Bilbao? Would you open the door for me to continue?

Ousmane’s contract ends in June. I see him happy and I see him as a great professional. He has been an exemplary professional. And I have heard from everything, that he has been professional. He is positive with the group and, in a club decision. If it had been What weighs, we are going to see what happens with Dembélé. He is a footballer that I like.