Xavi: 'The team wants to show its worth'

The last game of the Champion League group stage is upon us and FC Barcelona have virtually sewn up first place in the table. The blaugranes clearly want to win again, as coach Xavi Hernández indicated during the prematch press conference from Royal Antwerp's ground. ”We want to end the group stage having done what we need to do” stated the blaugranes' coach.

Improving play is the target

Xavi was also self-critical when it comes to how the team are functioning, commenting that ”We have to be much more effective. We create a lot of chances to win games earlier. We have to be better in front of goal, but also improve our defensive robustness”. ”We have to show consistency to achieve targets and trophies. We are on the way to creating a great Barça side”, he added. Improvements that will come, as Barça's coach himself explained that ”the team is together and a close-knit group”.

There is unity, but also annoyance after the defeat to Girona in the last league game. ”The dressing room is annoyed. They want to show their worth”, admitted Xavi. The Champions League is the focus at the moment though, with the final match of a group stage that FC Barcelona want to end with a win.

Possible rotations

The win will have to come against Mark van Bommel's Royal Antwerp side. ”They are a good team and Van Bommel is doing a very good job, and he wants to leave a mark playing football based on teamwork”, analysed the Dutch coach's former teammate. The game may see rotations to counteract fatigue among regular starters. ”We will decide which players will feature after training and prior to the game, but it is a good chance to give opportunities to young players and others who haven't played that much. Logically we will make changes”, indicated Xavi Hernández. He went on to state that ”we are highly demanding as the staff are culers and we want the best for the Club”.