Few names more inspiring than Diego Maradona. This is the name of the Naples stadium that will host the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 this Wednesday. Xavi Hernández has appeared in his press room showing himself convinced of doing a good job, in line with this season, where proclamations and wishes have gone ahead of reality on too many occasions.
An unusual chip movement could condition the future of the match. Xavi has been preparing for the match for three days and suddenly he saw how his rival changed coaches. Goodbye to Walter Mazzarri, second coach to fall this season after Rudi García, and hello to Francesco Calzona, coach of Slovakia and assistant to Luciano Spalletti, coach of Napoli, league champion half a year ago and today Italian coach. It seems like a century has passed.
A priori, Xavi does not believe that this will be key: “Calzona knows the house and I don't think it will change things much. In any case, a drawing is important but not the most decisive thing. He worries me more about what my players do than what the opposing team does. But if I have to highlight something about the opponent, it is undoubtedly the three forwards, especially Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia. "We have to try to stop counterattacks by dominating the ball."
Xavi spoke to the media minutes after Frenkie de Jong attacked the press for, in his opinion, publishing lies about his salary. The coach defended him: “he has expanded and I understand him. You feel a great injustice when they lie about things that affect you." If it were up to Xavi, the Dutchman, whom the club has not ruled out selling this summer, should stay: "He is a fundamental footballer and there is a Barça player for many years. He is capital for my system but I don't know the plans the club will have for him. I see him very happy here.”
More focused on the momentous match this Wednesday, Xavi tried to de-dramatize: “We don't play to shut up. We play for people who want good for the club. The focus is not criticism and injustice. The focus is the setting, which is magnificent, as well as the excitement and hope. We have to resolve - he emphasized - the pending issue of the club, which is the Champions League and we haven't been there for two years. The key words are enjoy and, above all, compete.”
With regard to his personal situation, the position. That they will fire me. I have a feeling of hope and excitement. I think positively, not in negative scenarios."
