F.C Barcelona manager Xavi has described his side’s Europa League game against Manchester United as the worst they could wish for.
Reacting to the draw yesterday, Xavi told The Athletic that luck was not with his team during the draw, but was quick to praise his opponents abilities.
“The draw has given us the most difficult rival again, like in the Champions League Group stage,” he said
“Luck was not on our side because Manchester United are a great rival, a historic club and the worst that we could wish for. They have great individualities, and I could also highlight the group they have. We will prepare well, analyse the opponents as we have to.” he explained
The Barcelona manager also praised Erik Ten Hag’s side quality that is at his disposal.
” It’s not just Cristiano Ronaldo we are going to face but a team that has grown a lot under Erik Ten Hag and we’ll have to challenge them on the pitch they are a big historic club and they will have the same urgency to win as us,” he said
Manchester United ended second in their Europa League Group and as a result they have to play the first knockout round than receiving a bye to the round of 16, while on the other hand Barcelona dropped into the competition after finishing third in Group C of the Champions League, ending the group behind Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.
The play off games will be played on February 16th and February 23rd.
