Barcelona Manager Xavi Hernandez said his side will face a better Napoli on Tuesday night at Montjuic than they did at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in February. The manager Francesco Calzona was appointed less than 48 hours before the first tie, but now with several weeks under his belt, Xavi feels Naples they are a different side.
Since the first leg, a 1-1 draw, Calzona's side have drawn with Cagliari, beaten Sassuolo 6-1, beaten Juventus and on Friday night another 1-1 draw with Turin.
“Napoli has improved with the new coach, more dynamic and comfortable. Our losses are important, but we have to compete. We were better here and we should be better here”
“I expect a brave Napoli that plays from the back and presses high, that doesn't speculate, has a lot of individual quality, the top three have a lot of quality, it's a great game and it's a great team, current champion of Italy” , said Xavi to the press.
It was made to Xavi that playing at Montjuic could be a disadvantage compared to the usual big game atmosphere at Camp Nou.
“Montjuïc must feel like Camp Nou. We must hit it, and we must be the 12th player, who is talked about so much in Europe. It must be a cauldron of pressure, the players must feel the warmth of the people. About the players of Napoli, I like those who are in front, they are at the highest level in Europe Politano, Osimhen and Kvara. And also how they defend themselves.”
Xavi was also asked which Napoli player he liked the most, picking Slovakian midfielder Stanislav Lobotka.
“Tough. I'd say.” Lobotka, I like a lot, the way he builds from the back and doesn't lose the ball. I would like to see him in a club like Barça, I think he has the quality to play for a club like Barcelona, I think he makes the difference for Napoli.”
