Soccer-Barca eager to improve on return to Champions League knockouts, says Xavi


Soccer Football - LaLiga - FC Barcelona Training - Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, Barcelona, Spain - January 30, 2024 FC Barcelona coach Xavi and assistant coach Oscar Hernandez during training REUTERS/Albert Gea/File Photo

NAPLES, Italy (Reuters) - Barcelona will be playing for their fans and not to silence their critics when they face Napoli in the Champions League last-16 on Wednesday, coach Xavi Hernandez said ahead of his side's return to the knockout stages after two years.

Xavi said he is not feeling the pressure in the face of criticism of his team, whose chances of defending their LaLiga crown have dimmed as they sit third on 54 points, eight behind leaders Real Madrid.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Football

Soccer-Bayern confirm Davies suffered muscle injury against Frankfurt
Soccer-Chelsea, Burnley condemn racist abuse of Fofana, Mejbri
Soccer-PSG return to top of Ligue 1 as Lens lose to Monaco
Soccer-O'Reilly double gives Man City win and turns heat on Arsenal
Soccer-Silva scores late equaliser as Dortmund grab 2-2 draw at Leipzig
Soccer-Osasuna stun Real Madrid 2-1 to blow LaLiga title race open
Soccer-Late goals keep Inter in control of Serie title race
Soccer-Ten-man Chelsea implode again in home draw with Burnley
Soccer-Abraham's dream return pays off as Villa salvage late point against Leeds
Soccer-Man City crank up pressure on Arsenal, Villa and Chelsea drop points

Others Also Read