Rarely does a draw taste so good at the Camp Nou. In the growth process of Xavi Hernández's Barça, the match against Manchester United is another step. The Barcelona team had great moments and only specific actions prevented them from winning. But after the match both coaches, Xavi Hernández and Erik Ten Hag, complained bitterly about the referee's decisions. The Catalan claimed a penalty by the hands of Fred inside the area and the Dutchman asked for a red card for Koude for a challenge on Rashford.
"It was a penalty, for me it was very clear", that's what the man from Egar told Ten Hag on the pitch after the game. “His arm was out of natural position. He told me that he was close to the body, but he was not, it was a clear penalty, ”he assured. The Manchester United manager replied in the press room with monumental anger that Koundé should have seen the red card. “Rashford was tackled from behind which was a red card. Maybe it was outside the area, but it was expulsion. The referee has influenced the game and the tie ”, he asserted.
Already in the press room, Xavi was much tougher. “It's a penalty like a cathedral, how are you going to feel, they didn't give it to us in Milan in the Champions League, and neither today. I don't know what to do to get a penalty for hands. They are very clear hands. He says that the room has been checked, it seems incredible to me, it seems incredible to me, ”he repeated.
Beyond the controversy, Xavi recognized the great level of his rival and how complex it was to face Manchester United. “A very even match, against a good team, very hard-working and physical. We have dominated in several phases of the game, there have been occasions for both of us. In the end we had it, we had the winning goal, but I already said it before the game that would be decided at Old Trafford. But the attitude has been spectacular. Fight null and Manchester to try to pass the tie ”, summed up the coach. "I leave satisfied. We have competed against one of the best teams in Europe and we have been able to win”, he added.
“They squeeze you well, they win many duels on a physical level, it is true that it has cost us the start on occasions, but the pressure has been good, the pressure after loss as well. We have had a lot of possession, but they have good players who compete well and make it difficult for you”, Xavi explained about the problems in defense.
Regarding Raphinha's anger on the bench after being substituted, whom he punched, Xavi defended his footballer's attitude. “I understand the anger perfectly, it happened to me. But I do it for the good of the team, ”he assured, and revealed that the Brazilian had asked him for forgiveness. "Now Rafa has been apologizing to me, but he doesn't have to, I see it as positive that he wants to continue playing and fighting," he concluded.
Lastly, the coach referred to the controversy over Barça's payments to the vice president of the Technical Committee of Referees. “I refer to the club's statement. I don't like to win with cheats, otherwise I would go home, I want the best to win and never with cheats ”, he concluded.
