MILAN (AFP) – Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has warned his players that they must not fail against Inter Milan at the San Siro in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Barca and Inter both lost to Group C leaders Bayern Munich and come into the clash with three points in their opening two games.
The Champions League has proved a cruel place for Barcelona in recent years since they won it in 2015 and last season they suffered a humiliating exit in the group stage.
“Tomorrow’s game is crucial, not final, but very important if we want to progress to the next round,” Xavi said at a press conference on Monday.
“We both lost against Bayern, so tomorrow’s game is a huge success. We’ll see what Bayern do tomorrow, but we can’t fail. It’s in our heads, we can’t fail. “
The Catalans are in good form, unbeaten at the top of La Liga and domestically, while Inter Milan struggle in ninth place in Serie A with four defeats in eight games.
However, Xavi believes previous results aren’t important and Inter can pose a different threat to his team than any team in Spain.
“Form is not that important, we played a lot of games where we were favorites and lost,” added Xavi.
“Inter are very strong, they have big moves in attack, they use a dynamic style with two strikers, which is not used in the Spanish league.
“It’s the toughest group we’ve had in the Champions League for many years, it’s going to be very difficult. We have to show the personality we showed in Munich, but get the result.”
Barcelona left-back Marcos Alonso has started this game and is expected to feature against Inter Milan although he may not be in position.
Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Hector Bellerin, Memphis Depay and Frenkie de Jong are injured and Alonso could be used as a central defender if Xavi decides to play with three defenders in this position.
“It wouldn’t be the first time I played there,” Alonso said. “My biggest wish is to play, if the coach wants me there I will give my all and do my best for the team.”
