Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández acknowledged that Paris Saint-Germain’s financial situation makes them the favorites in their upcoming Champions League quarterfinal tie. Despite Barcelona’s rich history in the competition, Xavi pointed out that the current financial disparity between the two clubs could give PSG an edge in the matches. Xavi expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete but recognized the challenges posed by facing PSG.
Pau Cubarsí’s National Team Call-Up
Youngster Pau Cubarsí’s recent impressive performances for Barcelona have earned him a call-up to the Spanish national team. This has raised speculation about his potential participation in the Olympic Games in Paris and Euro 2024. Xavi emphasized the importance of managing young players’ workload to prevent injuries and expressed hope that Cubarsí’s career trajectory would not mirror that of midfielder Pedri, who faced injury troubles after featuring in multiple tournaments at a young age.
João Félix’s Return to Atletico
Barcelona’s on-loan forward João Félix is set to return to Atletico Madrid, where he previously scored a decisive goal against his parent club in a LaLiga match. Xavi highlighted the need for Félix to display strong character in the upcoming game against Atletico and embraced the challenge of facing a hostile atmosphere. Despite the potential backlash from Atletico fans, Xavi expressed confidence in Félix’s ability to perform under pressure.
By analyzing Barcelona’s Champions League quarterfinal draw, it is evident that Xavi Hernández is aware of the tough task ahead against PSG and recognizes the need for his team to show resilience and determination. The inclusion of young talents like Pau Cubarsí in the national team setup reflects Barcelona’s commitment to nurturing promising players for the future. João Félix’s return to face Atletico Madrid presents a unique opportunity for the young forward to prove his worth and contribute to Barcelona’s success on the field. As the quarterfinal matches approach, Barcelona will need to harness their collective strength and mental toughness to overcome the challenges posed by their opponents.
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