Xavi: 'Time to step up in the Champions League'

Following the utterly convincing 5-0 win over Betis at the weekend, Xavi Hernández feels his team is now perfectly poised to start going about making amends for two frankly disappointing seasons of European football. On Tuesday at 9pm CEST, it all starts with a game at home to Belgian double winners Royal Antwerp.

“It's time to step things up in the Champions League" said the coach at his pre-game conference on Monday. "We are starting at home, in front of our fans, and we are in great form."

"The goal is to finish top of our group and be seeded in the draw for the knockout stage. But this is about deeds not words. Last season the team got the playing side of things right but not the results. This year we need to play well and get results."

On Royal Antwerp, Xavi "would highlight their wings, both the full backs and in midfield. They are a very dynamic team, who won their league last season, and they have some fine technical players."

He has fond memories of the man who'll be sitting in the opposite dugout tomorrow, Mark van Bommel, saying “he was a great team-mate and a player who could break through and score goals. Now he's doing a fabulous job in Belgium."

Araujo and Pedri fitness

Xavi also explained that Ronald Araujo and Pedri are fast on the road to recovery, and particularly the former. "He should be ready for Celta on Saturday" he said. "We could have forced things for Antwerp but I'd prefer to exercise caution. As for Pedri, he's doing well but he still needs a bit more time."

He was also asked about the contractual situations of Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal, saying that negotiations are at an advanced stage and that he expects to be making a positive announcement on both matters very shortly.