)
Barcelona boss Xavi Hernadez sweats over the threat of Osimhen and the unpredictability of Napoli having a new manager.
As Barcelona gears up for their pivotal Champions League clash against Napoli, Xavi Hernández's pre-match sentiments encapsulate the gravity and anticipation surrounding this fixture.
Speaking to the media, Xavi acknowledged the unexpected coaching change at Napoli, the quality of their squad, and the challenges his team faces.
)
16:27 - 21.02.2024
Napoli vs Barcelona match preview, team news, where to watch and prediction
A concise pre-match guide for the upcoming Champions League fixture between Napoli and Barcelona.
Navigating Napoli's New Direction
Napoli replaced former manager Walter Mazzari with Francesco Calzona, aiming for stability after a surprising managerial change just 24 hours before their crucial Champions League match against Barcelona.
Xavi highlighted the element of unpredictability introduced by Napoli's sudden change in management. "Napoli changed the coach 24 hours before the game in a surprising way. With the change of coach, we do not know very well what the match will bring us," he admitted.
The Challenge of Containing Napoli's Stars
The Barcelona coach was unequivocal about the threat posed by Napoli's standout talents, especially the dynamic duo of Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. "Osimhen and Kvaratshkelia are top-level players. For us, it is essential to defend well. It is difficult to stop Kvaratskhelia, Osimhen, and Politano," Xavi acknowledged, underscoring the defensive discipline required to neutralise Napoli's attacking prowess.
)
Barcelona are also having an underwhelming season like Napoli, with both teams failing in their bids to defend their domestic titles from last season.
However, in past Champions League encounters, Barcelona have had the upper hand against Napoli, notably progressing past the Italian side in the 2019/20 round of 16.
Related content
16:27 - 21.02.2024
Napoli vs Barcelona match preview, team news, where to watch and prediction
A concise pre-match guide for the upcoming Champions League fixture between Napoli and Barcelona.
)
08:16 - 21.02.2024
Napoli vs Barcelona: Xavi warns players about Osimhen threat in UCL clash
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is wary of Napoli threat led by Nigeria's Victor Osimhen ahead of UCL acid test.
)
03:00 - 21.02.2024
How Napoli have fared with and without Osimhen: Stats show what Partenopei will miss in Nigerian striker’s absence
With Osimhen still a fitness doubt for the crunch tie against Barcelona and also likely to depart Napoli at the end of the current campaign, we ask the question: how do Napoli perform when the Nigerian star is not available for selection?
)
00:22 - 21.02.2024
Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong unhappy to be linked to Manchester United and Chelsea
The Blaugrana midfielder has said he is angry with rumours linking him away from Barcelona in the summer
)
21:14 - 20.02.2024
Two Nigerians who could replace Osimhen at Napoli
Napoli look to keep up their love affair with Nigerians as they eye two of Osimhen's compatriots to replace the Super Eagles star striker
)
20:10 - 20.02.2024
PSG Set to Make First Approach for Chelsea Target Victor Osimhen
Osimhen is touted as PSG's favourite to replace the outgoing Kylian Mbappe but the lifelong Chelsea fan has his sights set on a move to join the Blues
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)