Xavi Hernandez “optimistic” about the return leg
The Catalan Giants faced a 2-1 defeat against the Gunners as the first leg of the UEFA Champions League knock out stage progressed in North London. Even though David Villa scored the first goal of the game to give Barcelona a 0-1 lead, the Gunners made a
marvellous comeback with the help of their speedy wingers. The next leg is now going to take place in the Nou Camp and as the post match press conference took place, all the Barcelona players were optimistic about the fact that they could qualify for the next
round of the UEFA Champions League.
Xavi Hernandez spoke about his experience at the Emirates stadium. Last season it was the Catalan midfield magician who was able two give two wonderful assists to Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Even though Barcelona drew the game back then, they managed to win 4-1
in the return leg that took place in the Nou Camp. Barcelona have now lost the game 2-1 at the Emirates. Xavi Hernandez spoke to the press and said:
“If you watch the game you’ll realize that it was a totally unfair defeat.”
The Spanish midfielder, who was also elected as a Ballon d’Or finalist this year, spoke how well his team performed under pressure. He spoke about the English crowd and how they got behind their team at the Emirates. He said that even though the whole crowd
was behind the North London side, his side still played the better football. He said that they were better throughout the game and he is hurt that his team could not get the desired results while being away from home.
Xavi Hernandez spoke about his team’s performance and said that they were far better than Arsenal – who later scored two goals and won the game 2-1 in their home ground. The midfield magician then spoke about Arsenal’s style of play. He said that the Gunners
played great counter attacking tactics and they did a lot of damage. He said that Arsenal were simply too quick on the counter-attacks and that definitely helped them in scoring goals.
Xavi then showed optimism about the return leg. He said that there are ninety minutes still left to play during the return leg of the UEFA Champions League knock out stage and even though the team could not get the desired result away from home, he still
expects them to come out with flying colours while playing at home. The Spaniard was hopeful about the return leg throughout the press conference and said:
"We’re very optimistic. We’re playing at the Camp Nou, with our fans. But the result was not one we wanted or that reflects the game.”
Xavi Hernandez then highlighted the fact that European competitions are always hard to play. He said that Arsenal were better in front of goal compared to his team and that is the reason why Barcelona suffered later during the game. He said:
“You pay for that in Europe,” as he spoke about the chances that his team missed in front of goal.
The question is, whether Barcelona can really handle the quick footed Arsenal wingers while playing at home. With Gerard Pique out during the second leg and Carles Puyol still injured for unknowable amount of time, the question remains as to what tactics
Josep Guardiola would employ?