Barcelona coach Xavi admits the Catalans are in an uncomfortable position ahead of their match against Inter but will try to use their anger to get a 2-0 win.
The Catalans must beat the Nerazzurri and the Nou Camp tomorrow to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Last week, they lost 1-0 in Milan amid referee controversy as they had a penalty kick appeal rejected in the final minutes of the game.
Inter defender Denzel Dumfries appeared to have touched the ball with his hand, but the referee was not urged to have a VAR check, infuriating Xavi and his staff.
“Obviously, we were disappointed, and now we have to play better football. If we play well, there will be no need to talk about referees,” Xavi said at a press conference today.
“We expect a similar defensive approach [from Inter], we must be as similar as possible to the last 30 minutes in Milan. We have to attack in a better way, there is no room for mistakes, hopefully, it will be a magic night.
“We must be aggressive and keep a high line, we can only win and we must be brave. We found ourselves in an uncomfortable position, it will be like a final for us, where we’ll need personality.”
Barcelona want to avoid the second successive elimination in the Champions League group stage and only a victory will keep them in the race for the Round of 16.
“We have 90 minutes, so we have to attack well and be calm. They’ll sit deep so we have to look for spaces,” said Xavi.
“It would be disappointing [to be eliminated], but we must think positive, we are in an uncomfortable position after losing in Munich and after the controversy in Milan; tomorrow is like a final and we can make up for it.
“I think the fans have understood. The tickets are sold out. There have been very good times. There must be an incandescent atmosphere from the very beginning.
“I am always optimistic, I don’t want to lower our guard, we have talent and a desire for revenge after what happened in Milan, and we’ll give our all.
Xavi confirmed that Jules Koundé wouldn’t be available against the Nerazzurri tomorrow, while Frankie de Jong returns after missing last week’s game in Milan.
Xavi was asked whether a 1-0 win would be enough for him.
“No, I’d like to win 2-0,” he admitted.
“Hopefully, we will use race and indignation to play better and attack. We have an opportunity.”
Don’t worry Inter will make it three straight ‘Big’ Italian teams to lose in the CL this round. Does anyone here think Inter can NOT lose tomorrow?
@Donato Totaro
I come from the future to tell you that it will finish 3-3 and Inter almost won it. So you were WRONG
Xavi was asked whether a 1-0 win would be enough for him.
“No, I’d like to win 2-0,” he admitted.
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AHAHAHAHAHAHA