Home

Xavi: 'It should be a magical night'

The Barça coach stresses the importance of the game against Internazionale and of the role of the fans at Spotify Camp Nou

FC Barcelona are getting ready for a do or die clash with Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday at Spotify Camp Nou with qualification from group C of this season's competition on the line. Xavi Hernández in his pre-game press conference on Tuesday stressed the importance of the fans in his team's effort to take three vital points. 

 

A crunch fixture 

"We expect an Inter side similar to the one in the game in Milan. They are very solid defensively but we have alternatives. We have to be brave and we have to go on the attack. There is a lot at stake - it's a final for us and there is no room for error." 

"We will try to attack as best we can. We have to be more aggressive, more direct and get in the box more and shoot from distance. From the kick off we have to show intensity and only three points will do." 

"We are in a tricky situation in the competition but we will give everything. There is pressure, we are Barça but it's final and we shall treat it like one." 

Optimistic attitude 

"We have to be positive. I see it is an opportunity. There is pressure but we have to face it as best we can. I try to treat the players so that they can best show their talent. They have to be positive and see it as an opportunity - it's virtually a last 16 tie." 

"It's a mental game. We have to calm and dominate the game. We have 90 minutes to score, we don't have to score in the first minute. We have to be patient as it's a game to be calm in." 

The fans key

“With the help of the fans, let's hope it can be a magical night." 

"Ever since I have been the coach there have been great moments at home with the fans behind us. Tomorrow [Wednesday] from the first moment it has to be a pressure cooker. We will give our all so they can feel proud." 

The players 

"Probably we will be without Kounde. Sunday, we will see, he could make it but it will depend how he feels. In these games, if you are not 100%, it's better not to be there." 

"Frenkie is fine, he's coming off an injury but he feels good. Tomorrow we will see if he starts or comes on in the second half." 

"Lewandowski has to be important for us, not just against Inter but in all the game, the same as his team mates. We have to improve our play, combine with him more. In the last two games we have given him little service." 

More news here