Xavi talks Mbappe, Haaland, van Gaal, Busquets ahead of Galatasaray clash

Barcelona find themselves in a complicated situation as they head to Istanbul to take on Galatasaray at the NFE Stadium. After a goalless deadlock in the first leg, the second leg has become a must-win encounter.

Their biggest goal is to reach the Champions League next season, and winning the Europa League is a one of the paths that can be taken. Xavi knows any misstep tomorrow could define their upcoming season, and more.

Xavi addressed the media as part of his pre-game presser, answering questions ranging from the game to their tactics.

On the game: “Tomorrow is a final. We want to show that this team can compete in Europe.”

“We’re in the same situation as in the tie against Napoli and we have to face the match like the one we did at their ground.”

On Galatasaray’s tactics: “It seems to me we will see a rival similar to the one we did during the first leg, defending in a low block. We will have to improve the success of the attack.”

On El Clasico: “We are focused on tomorrow’s game right now, we don’t think beyond it. There will be time to think about Sunday.”

On Busquets: “Busquets is still essential for us. I’ve always said it and I still stand by it. He brings a lot of quality and is a key player for us.”

On winning the Europa League: “Our primary objective is to be in the Champions League next season. Winning the Europa League leads us to our goal. We want to show that we can compete with the best in Europe.”

On Mbappe and Haaland in Madrid: “I don’t see the point in commenting on signings in advance. In football, the team is always more important than individuals. If they help the group, the better.”

On the Spotify sponsorship deal: “I’m very happy with the Spotify agreement. I think it’s very positive for the club.”

On Louis van Gaal’s Barcelona tenure: “Van Gaal did a spectacular job, he is very undervalued at Barça. He worked on things that we mantain today, he was very hard-working coach, and example of what a modern should be like.”

On the team’s improvement, both offensively and defensively: “This is what we seek to develop by continuing to work hard and being competetive, improving in several aspects.”

On Inaki Pena: “He was extraordinary in the first leg.”

On Galatasaray ultras: “We know it’s a difficult stadium, the fans pay a lot and maybe they will be more agressive from the start tomorrow.”

On rotations: “In the first leg, I decided to rotate because there were players who needed a break.”

“We have to define a specific plan for the players who will participate tomorrow in order to prepare for the El Clasico.“

Source: BarçaTV+