La Liga
Xavi: ‘We will miss Pique, the most difficult opponent United could face’
Gerard Pique’s decision to hang up his boots is a defeat for Barcelona, according to Xavi, with the Spanish boss also citing his side’s Europa League draw with Manchester United as a challenge.
Barcelona meets Osasuna on Tuesday evening (8 November, 10:30 p.m., Novasports Prime, LIVE from Sportish) on match day 14 of the La Liga and wants to win against Real at any price in the fight for the title. However, Xavi is not only thinking about the game against the Pamplona team.
As of Monday (07/11), Manchester United is on his mind and will be with the coach of “Barca” for the next few months, with which the Blaugrana were drawn against the background of the “16” of the Europa League will be on the Red Devils approached and admits the lottery made things difficult for his team.
“Once again we will meet the toughest opponents in the draw and we will have to put up a good fight. Manchester United are a great side and have improved a lot since Ten Hague arrived.
You have a lot of individual talent and potential. My players will be motivated to face it”, he stressed at Monday’s press conference, adding: “If I think Cristiano Ronaldo’s level has dropped?
He’s a great player, he’s one of the top players and he can definitely make a difference for them.”
Asked if Pique will miss Barcelona after his decision to say goodbye and if his last game was against Almeria at the Camp Nou, he said: “Pique will be available for the game against Osasuna on Tuesday.
Everyone has a leadership role in the team. We’ll miss Pique, but I don’t see a problem. When a leader leaves, the roles within the group are rearranged.”
Source: sport 24
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