Xavi talks Muller, Lewandowski, Davies, Musiala, Nagelsmann ahead of Bayern vs Barcelona

Barcelona are seeking revenge as they travel to Allianz Arena to take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League group stages. The Bavarians have whooped Barcelona head to toe in the previous few meetings, including two 3-0 wins last season home and away.

This time, though, Barça are not heading into the game as underdogs. They have one of the strongest teams in Europe, with Robert Lewandowski leading the pack. Xavi has come into his own as the manager, too, and the morale is evidently on the roof.

Ahead of the game, Xavi instilled this same belief into fans, speaking as part of his pre-game press conference.

On the match calendar: “We have analysed and planned everything about our match calendar, before and after the international break. After the international break, there will be no stops before the World Cup.”

“After the end of the World Cup, we have to go through a small preparatory period. We have already planned for the whole season.”

On Bayern Munich’s dominance vs Barcelona: “We are talking about Bayern Munich. This is football. It is true that we have only won two matches out of the last 13, and haven’t won any at Allianz Arena. We know how tough the challenge is, but I think we can do it. We’ll see what happens tomorrow.”

On Julian Nagelsmann: “Bayern have started the season well, both in the league and the UCL. Nagelsmann is a great coach. Tactically, he’s great, and tomorrow, it’s going to be a tough game. His teams press really well, and are brilliant in other aspects as well.”

On this being the ‘right time’ for Barça and Lewandowski: “Lewandowski is fine, he is calm and confident. He is a natural team leader, and this match is special for him. But, I think this is the right time to face Bayern.”

On tomorrow’s lineup: “Unless there are any surprises or injuries, I already know the starting XI.”

“I will choose the players who are the readiest, the most passionate, and the ones who are able to impose our style on the pitch. Experience is not important, there are young players who are fitter. It’s all about the performances during training.”

On Raphinha: “Raphinha is an important player for us, very dynamic and helps out in the defence as well. He is an amazing player and I trust him a lot. Tomorrow, too, he will be undoubtedly be important for us.”

On Thomas Muller: “Muller is a great player, a Bayern legend for many years. He understands the game well, both in attack and defence. Therefore, it is difficult to defend against him.”

On Lewandowski: “We have Lewandowski, who is an important player for us. But we have others, as well. He’s a player who is good at finding unmarked players, and he helps us attack very well.”

On previous meetings vs Bayern: “Looking at the previous games we played, we had a bad time. Tomorrow, we want to compete well. If the players show their true potential, I will be happy. We have to leave the past behind and believe is our ability to win.”

On Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies: “Musiala and Davies have already made their mark at Bayern. They also have great forwards, and they press very well. It’s true that we’re pushing, too, but they have been doing this for years.”

On the team that last faced Bayern last season vs now: “There are a lot of changes. But I think the mentality has changed. We always talk after games, and I always say we are here. We have to show our character, and show what we are capable of, on the pitch. We can lose the, but we have to impose our style of play.”

Source: BarçaTV+