Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández has acknowledged that Paris Saint-Germain’s financial strength puts them ahead as favorites in their upcoming Champions League quarterfinal clash. Xavi emphasized the difficulty of facing PSG, stating that they are one of the toughest opponents Barça could have been drawn against. Despite Barcelona’s history of winning more Champions League titles, Xavi pointed out the current disparity in spending between the two clubs as a significant factor in PSG’s favor.
Rising Star Pau Cubarsí
On a positive note, young Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí received a call-up to the Spanish national team, underlining his impressive performances for the Catalan club. The 17-year-old center-back’s potential inclusion in the Olympics and Euro 2024 has sparked speculation about his future international career. Xavi expressed hope that Cubarsí would not face excessive workload issues like midfielder Pedri, who has struggled with injuries after featuring in multiple tournaments at a young age.
Return of João Félix
Barcelona’s on-loan forward João Félix is set to return to face Atletico Madrid, his parent club, in a LaLiga fixture. Following Félix’s decisive goal in their previous encounter, expectations are high for his performance at the Metropolitano. Xavi praised Félix’s personality and ability to thrive in hostile environments, indicating the importance of showing character against a tough opponent like Atletico.
Overall, Barcelona faces a challenging road in the Champions League quarterfinals against PSG, with Xavi acknowledging the financial disparity as a crucial factor. However, the emergence of young talent like Pau Cubarsí provides optimism for the future, while João Félix’s return adds excitement to upcoming fixtures. As Barcelona navigates through various competitions, maintaining a balance between competitiveness and player welfare remains a key aspect of their overall strategy.