Barcelona boss Xavi insists his team will go all out to overcome Bayern Munich in must-win away clash tonight and qualify for Champions League knockouts
Barcelona manager Xavi. Pic/Getty Images
Barcelona manager Xavi is confident that his team can beat Bayern Munich in their crucial UEFA Champions League clash despite being dealt a reality check by Real Betis on Saturday.
Four weeks after Xavi was appointed, Barca suffered their first defeat under the new coach on Saturday (0-1).
ADVERTISEMENT
Barca’s next game is a daunting trip to Munich on Wednesday, where a win will seal their place in the Last 16 of the Champions League. However, a draw or defeat will send them to the Europa League if Benfica manage to beat Dynamo Kiev on the night. “The team is capable of going to Munich and winning,” Xavi said.
Toughest away venue
“That’s the objective. We depend on ourselves. We’re going to one of the toughest grounds in the world, but we’re going there to give everything and to compete,” he added.
There have been glimpses of innovation and change, but the overriding sense is of familiar flaws being underlined and expectations being further downgraded. “It [defeat to Real Betis] is a shame and I hope it doesn’t affect us. On Wednesday we have to compete like animals to try to get through,” added the former Barcelona midfielder.
Europa League beckons
The most likely scenario though is that Barca finish third and drop into the Europa League, a competition they could win if they took it seriously and one that would also offer them an alternative route back into the Champions League next year.
Also Read: REVEALED! Why Jogeshwari boy Ajaz felt strongly about gifting match-ball to MCA
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
