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Barcelona take on Manchester United in the Europa League and Xavi believes both clubs are similar
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has outlined the similarities between his club and Manchester United as he prepares for the Europa League showdown between both clubs.
Barcelona take on Manchester United in the Europa League for a place in the round of 16 on the 16th of February, and Xavi believes that neither team deserves to be playing at that level.
‘I think we are coming back’ - Xavi on fallen giants Barcelona and Manchester United
Xavi noted that both clubs were in a period of transition in a bid to return to their glory days and also believes that both clubs are not far from returning to their former pedestals.
Speaking to the Hindustan times, Xavi said, “Yes, both clubs are more or less at a similar point. We are coming back. Manchester United and Barcelona, both are in the Europa League. I think both teams deserve to be in the Champions League, but this is our reality and we need to face it.”
He also complemented the work that Erik Ten Hag had done with the team by making them competitive again, and likened it to his own work at Barcelona, saying, “Manchester United and Barcelona have had many problems in the last 2-3 years. But I think we are coming back. In my opinion, (Erik) Ten Hag is doing a very good job. Both teams are in a similar process (of revival).”
Barcelona not favourites for Manchester United tie
While many fans might consider Barcelona outright favourites to defeat the Red Devlls, Xavi is more cautious, noting that it will take the best version of Barcelona to defeat Ten Hag’s tricky reds.
“We were not lucky in the draw because we have to face Manchester United. They are on a good run. It’s always a pleasure to play at Old Trafford. Ten Hag is doing a good job, they have very good players and it’s going to be really difficult to beat them.” He said.
Xavi’s time with Barcelona has been filled with ups and downs. His team currently leads the LaLiga standings with an incredible 50 points from 19 games and only seven goals conceded, but question marks will still be raised over his season even if the team wins the league after Barcelona were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League in the group stage for the second year in a row.
If Xavi is to disuade the naysayers, he will need to have a strong run, and possibly win the Europa League in addition to winning the league and the SuperCopa trophy that is already in the bad.
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