BARCELONA manager Xavi Hernandez has admitted that his preparation for tonight’s UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash against Napoli has been affected by the appointment of a new manager, while he is also aware of the damage Victor Osimhen can do.
Struggling Italian champions Napoli sacked Walter Mazzarri, who was appointed in November, and replaced him with Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona on Monday, 48 hours before they host Barcelona.
“Napoli changed their coach in a surprising way, they have their reasons, but it’s not an easy match to prepare for, as we don’t know what to expect,” Xavi told his press conference yesterday.
“The new manager knows the team well. I have no idea what tactical system he’s going to use.
“What’s important is to focus on our style of play and what we want to do, on our ambitions which are to reach the quarter-finals.”
Super Eagles striker Osimhen is expected to lead the attack tonight after missing Saturday’s Serie A draw with Genoa upon his return from the AFCON 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
Xavi is wary of the Nigeria international and his partners in Napoli’s forward line.
“What is certain is that we will have to defend well up against their very strong attacking trio,” the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder added.
“(Victor) Osimhen, (Khvicha) Kvaratskhelia and (Matteo) Politano can turn a game.”
Napoli are on their third manager this season due to poor results and are ninth in Serie A, but Xavi reckons they are still a strong side.
“It’s 50-50, we’ll see tomorrow who is favourite at the end of the game,” added Xavi who has announced he is stepping down as Barca boss at the end of the season.
“It doesn’t change anything for me nor for my team. I’m motivated, and want to pass that motivation onto the team.
“When you are a player or manager at Barcelona the pressure is always the same and it’s very strong.”
