Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said that Sunday's game at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Madrid has become "the most important of the season", as the 'Cules' are forced to win to stay in contention for the only title they have left.

"We have the opportunity to stay alive in La Liga," said the coach, who admitted that Real Madrid will come into the game "reinforced in terms of spirit" after knocking out Manchester City in the Champions League.

"Real Madrid's success is no coincidence. In three years they have eliminated the best team in the world, City. We compete against them in Spain," he continued.

We have to make a change of mind-set. I see the team doing well, with all the enthusiasm in the world to fight for this league. We have to use the anger, frustration and impotence of the other day to our advantage to dominate the game," reflected Xavi in reference to the recent Champions League elimination against PSG.

The Catalan coach acknowledged that Barcelona missed out on "a very favourable situation" to reach the semi-finals because of mistakes made, but was convinced that this experience will serve as a learning experience to compete better next year in Europe's top competition.

Xavi assured that "there is no problem" in the dressing room due to Ilkay Gundogan's criticism after the defeat against PSG, and remarked that the Santiago Bernabeu is "the perfect stage to show the team's personality" and stressed that they see themselves capable of winning at La Liga leader's ground.

"Real Madrid will surely press in the first few minutes of each half. We will have to be brave with the ball and not lose it, dominate and calm the high pressing they will do", he concluded.

 

April 20, 2024