Barcelona will be desperate to avoid dropping out of two European competitions at the first opportunity on Thursday after falling in the group stages of the Champions League.
The Blaugrana would be eliminated from the Europa League if they lose to Manchester United, following last week’s 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez is hoping to see that his team have made progress from their Champions League excursions earlier in the season.
“Tomorrow we will see if we have changed. We cannot say that we have changed. We haven’t been up to the task in the Champions League, and now we’re in the Europa League.
“Tomorrow is a test, and this is about proving it on the field.”
Will Messi Return To Barcelona?
Meanwhile, speculations have persisted in recent weeks over a possible return to Barcelona for Lionel Messi.
The 35-year-old’s father met club president Joan Laporta on Tuesday to discuss a potential second spell, and Xavi stated that his former teammate is welcome to re-join.
“I’ve said it more than once, the doors are always open for him.
❗️Xavi: “Messi? I already said that this is his house and the doors are open, he is a friend, we are in permanent contact. It depends on him what he wants to do with his future. The best footballer in history will always fit in.” @albert_roge 🗣️🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/pizBVxmfTc
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) February 22, 2023
Trending Stories: Joao Cancelo Opens Up On His Disagreement With Pep Guardiola
“He is a friend, and we are in permanent contact. It will depend on what he wants to do, and also on what fits the club.
“He’s the best player in history, he’d always fit in.”
Messi’s possible return will be in the very back of Xavi’s mind ahead of Thursday’s crucial second leg, as Barcelona aim to progress to the last 16 of the Europa League.
COMMENTS