Barça coach Xavi Hernández appeared at a press conference before Napoli-Barça. Egarenc has admitted that the test at the Maradona is “on fire” to see if the improvements noted in previous matches have application in a context of maximum European demand.
A football war. “It will be a very intense match. It will be a football war in which whoever has the ball will have more options to win and pass the playoffs. It’s a shame we didn’t do our homework. We were superior and we deserved to win. “We are excited about the return leg. We want to dominate the game and overcome the pressure they will put on us with very physical players. Napoli have Champions level. That’s why they are fighting for the Scudetto.”
End emergencies. “Every game, with the urgency there is, is a final. We are motivated to show that we can compete against rivals as great as Naples. We will try to be ourselves with a very clear identity, that everyone knows what it is.”
Necessary results. “I want to play well and win, but there will always be a rival that will complicate our lives. The good result is usually a consequence of the game. We will be closer to winning games if we play like against Valencia, Atlético de Madrid, l “Elche, at times against Villarreal … But we need more results. This is about results, more than sensations.”
Prioritize the game. “It’s not up to me to think about other seasons and it wouldn’t be fair. We have to go back to the game model. Barça were great when they dominated the game. This has been lost a bit and we have to recover. “It’s a great test of where we are. We’re playing against Napoli. And he’s a Champions League rival even though we’re playing in the Europa League. to compete again “.
All open with Dembélé. “He has never been a bad professional. He is exemplary in collective matters and that is what counts. The club’s decision is to make him play. I like Ousmane and I see him happy. We will see what happens until end of season “.
Prior to Xavi’s press conference, Barça goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen also appeared. The German has been annoyed by some reports about the influence of drag problems on his knee on his performance under sticks.
About knee problems. “People always think of everything and they seem to know even more than I do. I always try my best. If I was bad I wouldn’t play. I’m fine. The team is in good shape. “Sometimes I’m fine and sometimes I’m not so good. I’ve tried to get better these years. It’s true that I’ve been injured and that this has had an influence. I’m working to be better. I’m aware that the last few weeks have been written.” something to add gas to, I know you like it, but I’m calm about my performance because I analyze myself and I know what I’m doing right. “
A good moment. “We are playing much better than a few months ago. The identity of the club is seen on the field, with a lot of young people. In recent weeks we have taken a step forward and improved in many ways. I am very happy with the performance we have given.”
The influence of Xavi. “Xavi has a very clear idea of how we should play. But this is not to come and change everything in a moment. There are many things accumulated in the past. Each coach had his idea and now Xavi has his. We are enjoying and noticing. Being convinced of an idea gives you peace of mind. “
