Xavi Stresses The Importance Of Napoli Game And Says That Are Facing A Stronger Team

FC Barcelona's head coach, Xavi Hernandez, is eagerly anticipating what he describes as a "magical night" as his team prepares to take on Napoli in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 clash on Tuesday evening.

With a 1-1 draw in Italy three weeks ago, Barcelona enter the game with a slight advantage, though Xavi remains cautious, acknowledging Napoli's improvements since the arrival of coach Francesco Calzona just before their initial encounter.

Speaking at the pre-game press conference, Xavi highlighted Napoli's enhanced dynamism and comfort on the field, expecting a bold approach from the Italian side, characterized by high pressing and a desire to dominate possession.

Embracing the challenge, Xavi views the home fixture as an opportunity for Barcelona to showcase their footballing prowess in front of their loyal supporters. He emphasized the importance of competitiveness, expressing the team's determination not to fear failure but instead demonstrate their ability to excel at the highest level of competition.

Despite acknowledging Barcelona's home advantage, Xavi refrains from labeling his team as outright favorites, asserting that the match stands at a balanced 50-50. He anticipates a charged atmosphere in the stadium, urging for fervent support from the fans to create a formidable environment for Napoli's visit.

Xavi, who previously announced his decision to step down as coach at the end of the season, remains steadfast in his commitment to the club's success, emphasizing the collective significance of the upcoming match. He downplays his personal role, emphasizing the importance of unity within the team and the shared goal of advancing in the competition.