BARCELONA, March 16 — Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said today Paris Saint-Germain were the favourites in their upcoming Champions League quarter-final...
Barcelona coach Xavi thinks that PSG are favourites for the teams’ upcoming battle in the Champions League but remains hopeful. — AFP picBARCELONA, March 16 — Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said today Paris Saint-Germain were the favourites in their upcoming Champions League quarter-final tussle.
The Catalans, five-time winners of the competition, face former coach Luis Enrique’s French champions, but although PSG are still looking to win the trophy for the first time, Xavi believes they are the stronger side. “I’d give them the favourites tag — we have won more Champions Leagues, but the economic situation they are in, signing players what we can spend, it’s not the same situation,” Xavi told a news conference. “They won’t beat us on hope, desire, and dreaming though, we watched the draw together and the players are positive and looking forward to competing.“We have to show it on the pitch — it’s easy to talk and then do nothing — we must speak on the pitch, and show our talent and worth there.” Led by a rampant Kylian Mbappe, PSG cruised to a 5-2 aggregate victory over Barcelona in the 2020-21 season at the last 16 stage. However, Luis Enrique’s Barcelona recorded an historic comeback victory to beat PSG 6-1 at Camp Nou in the 2016-17 season, after a 4-0 away defeat, to reach the quarter-finals.Xavi hailed now PSG coach Luis Enrique, who led the Catalans to the trophy in 2015, the last time the Spanish champions conquered Europe.“I know Luis Enrique and his staff very well, he is a brilliant coach, and they work very well... but I have confidence and hope.The Spanish champions travel to Paris for the first leg on April 10, with the second leg at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona on April 16. This weekend Barcelona, third, visit fourth-place Atletico Madrid in La Liga, looking to extend the six-point gap. Diego Simeone’s side beat Champions League runners-up Inter Milan on penalties on Wednesday also to reach the quarter-finals, where they face Borussia Dortmund.“They are a Champions League level team; they showed it the other day and it’s even more true in front of their fans.” — AFP
Please follow us on Google to support us Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Napoli win one of best moments as Barca coach: XaviBARCELONA: Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said beating Napoli to reach the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday was one of his finest moments in...
Read more »
Raya is shootout hero as Arsenal reach Champions League quartersLONDON: David Raya was the hero as Arsenal beat Porto 4-2 on penalties on Tuesday to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time sinc...
Read more »
Al Hilal finish off Al Ittihad to ease into Asian Champions League semisJEDDAH, March 13 — Record winners Al Hilal are through to the Asian Champions League semi-finals after they defeated fellow Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad 2-0 in Jeddah on Tuesday...
Read more »
Odegaard urges Arsenal to ‘grow off’ Champions League shootout winLONDON, March 13 — Martin Odegaard has urged Arsenal to use their dramatic penalty shootout win over Porto as fuel as they chase a Champions League and Premier League...
Read more »
Sancho helps Dortmund past PSV, into Champions League quartersDortmund, Germany: A third-minute goal from Jadon Sancho and Marco Reus’ late strike sent Borussia Dortmund through to the Champions League last eight...
Read more »
PSG ‘favourites’ in Champions League clash: Barca coach XaviBARCELONA, March 16 — Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said today Paris Saint-Germain were the favourites in their upcoming Champions League quarter-final tussle. The Catalans,...
Read more »