Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez sees the Champions League quarter-finals clash with Paris St-Germain as a pivotal opportunity for the five-time champions to reclaim their elite status, following their recent group stage exits. With a strong recent record, winning eight of their last 11 matches and conceding only one goal in their last six, Barcelona is eager to continue their resurgence, currently standing second in LaLiga, eight points behind leaders Real Madrid.
This quarter-final appearance marks Barcelona's first in four years, a stark contrast to their consistent presence from 2007-08 to 2019-20. Xavi expressed excitement about this return to the quarter-finals, highlighting it as a key moment for the team. He emphasized that despite their good form, facing PSG, led by the renowned coach Luis Enrique, presents a formidable challenge, as PSG is a team built to win the Champions League.
Recalling the epic 2017 comeback against PSG under then-manager Luis Enrique, Xavi acknowledged the significant influence of Barcelona's style on his own coaching philosophy at PSG. He emphasized his respect for Luis Enrique and highlighted the similar objectives both teams share in terms of playing style and ambition in the Champions League.
Xavi expressed pride in Barcelona's footballing DNA, evident in the coaching styles of renowned managers like Luis Enrique, Pep Guardiola, and Mikel Arteta. He emphasized the importance of Barcelona's identity on the field and the players' responsibility to uphold this DNA. Despite acknowledging PSG's talent, Xavi remains focused on approaching the match as equals and controlling the game's unpredictable nature.
