FCBARCELONA.CAT

17.04.2008 14:06

Xavi: “Champions League is an objective”

Anna Segura

The midfielder has admitted that Wednesday’s match against Manchester United is “transcendental for everyone” and added that lifting the CL trophy would mean “we will have met our objective”.

Over the next week, Camp Nou will host vital matches against Espanyol and Manchester United. Espanyol will be here on Saturday for a vital league clash while the English Champions will be in Barcelona next Wednesday for the first leg of the CL semi-final. Speaking at Thursday’s press conference, Xavi Hernández told reporters: “Everyone is focussed on the Champions League. We know that it will be a transcendental match”.

Excitement over Europe

Xavi denied that Barça is in crisis: “We’re in the semi-finals of the Champions League and people are excited. For me there’s no crisis. If we win the Champions League we will have met our objective for the season”.

As for the match against Manchester United, Xavi assured the fans the team will go flat out to win: “We respect Manchester United. We know they have very few weak points but we’ll go flat out. We’ll have to compete at the very highest level and then we’ll see what happens. Although they are very strong, we’re also got good players. It’ll be a good semi-final”.

First up, the derby

Although the Champions League title looks “more accessible”, Xavi has not forgotten about this Saturday’s league match against Espanyol. “Neither team is in a particularly positive moment. We’re perhaps a little more focussed on the Champions League but a derby is always important and winning it boosts your confidence. In footballing terms, we’re always up for Espanyol”.

Options in the league

Xavi Hernández has not given up hope of the league title though he admits it’ll be difficult: “We have to keep on winning in the league. It’s difficult but we have to win our matches and hope that Real Madrid slip up. We still think there can be a miracle. We have to win the six remaining matches and then we’ll see”.