Barcelona would advance from Champions League Group E with a win over Benfica. And, as he says before this match, new manager Xavi Hernandez wants to see his team put on a show. Xavi wants Barcelona the qualify for Champions League in style, by destroying Benfica.
Barcelona takes on Benfica on Tuesday. And coach Xavi (football transfer) has challenged his team to qualify for the Champions League round of 16 with style.
If Barca wins all three points in their penultimate Group E encounter at Camp Nou, Benfica will be unable to catch them.
On Saturday, the Blaugrana won a 1-0 derby against Espanyol in Xavi’s debut game as head coach.
And now, after the club legend took over from Ronald Koeman, fighting Benfica will be his debut Champions League bout.
Xavi Wants Barcelona to Qualify for Champions League in Style
And for this Group E match, Xavi wants Barcelona to put on a show against Benfica, who benefit from winning. The side upset Barca 3-0 in September (football scores) and might claim second position behind Bayern Munich if successful here.
Xavi said in a press conference on Monday: “I envision a victory tomorrow. Why should I think otherwise? I prepare for that, so that [the players] are doing well and see that it is an opportunity to get into the second round.”
He then added: “I am positive, and it seems an opportunity to me. I envision winning, scoring goals. No one is going to take away that hope. I would like a great team game, of course, but we are not here to give anything away.
“The most important thing is how. The objective is to win. Winning in any way will be welcome, but it is [about] how things are done, too.”
Xavi has taken on a rebuilding job at the cash-strapped Barcelona after Koeman’s departure, and the 41-year-old has high expectations.
“I am very happy,” the new Barca manager said.
He continued: “I feel proud and privileged. I think they are the best in the world, but they must prove it. We have to aim for excellence.
“Regardless of the system, the approach is the same. I try to give the team a winning mentality, personality.”
