Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández explained that his team “must be excited” as they qualified for the “quarter-finals and it’s Europe” after beating Galatasaray 1-2 and progressing to the next round. of the Europa League.
“We played a great game, of personality, of knowing when to attack, of patience, of playing in the other field. They defended us very well, like in the first leg, they are a good team. We won in a really complicated field,” the Egarense coach analyzed in statements to Movistar+.
In fact, he believed that “the result can even be considered short” as Barca had “goal opportunities to convict”. For Xavi “it was important to equalize quickly”, after Galatasaray took the lead on the scoreboard “when they were in a medium or low block”.
The equalizing goal was the work of Pedri, who eliminated two rivals who entered the area before defining against Iñaki Peña.
“It’s a great goal, a goal of spectacular, sublime beauty. Pedri can do this and much more. I can’t say more praise. And he is only 19 years old,” Xavi said at a press conference.
In any case, the coach was also critical of his team at a certain part of the game. “I think we are still losing too many balls. It’s something that bothered me when I was a player and it continues to bother me,” he explained.
Gerard Piqué was substituted in the last part of the game when the score had not yet been decided. When asked about the reason for this change, Xavi admitted it was due to physical problems with the centre-back. “In the end he told me it was difficult for him to sprint and we decided to make the change. We were not there to give away. We only won with a goal. Pique had a problem (in his pubic bone) before one month”.
Another player who had to be substituted in the match due to physical problems was Sergiño Dest. In this case, Xavi explained that the problem is “in the hamstrings”, but he hopes “it’s nothing”.
Barca’s next contract is on Sunday in the Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu. “We are at a good time. We haven’t lost a game in a long time and we will try to compete in the Bernabeu as well, knowing how well Real Madrid are doing. Sunday will be a different story.” thought Xavi.
Source: El heraldo
Jason Jack is an experienced technology journalist and author at The Nation View. With a background in computer science and engineering, he has a deep understanding of the latest technology trends and developments. He writes about a wide range of technology topics, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, software development, and cybersecurity.
