Xavi Wants Barca to End Champions League Group Stage Hoodoo

Xavi remained cautious ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League opener as he set an initial target of qualifying from the group stage.

Barcelona will be high on confidence ahead of their Champions League opener against Royal Antwerp, as they are on the back of a 5-0 win over Real Betis. Yet manager Xavi remained cautious ahead of the European clash as he reminded the club’s record in the past two seasons where they failed to progress from the group stages.

The Barcelona manager, for now, has set a basic target for his team and that is to progress to the knockout stage.

Speaking to reporters ahead of their Champions League opener, Xavi said, “The players are very enthusiastic, but we must not have an obsession. We must be ourselves and impose our personality. The goal for now is to pass the group stage, then we will talk.

“Last year, in Europe, we were good in terms of play but not in results. Now we have strengthened ourselves and we have to show that we can compete and fight for it.”

Xavi’s side will face Antwerp on Tuesday before taking on Celta Vigo in La Liga on Saturday.