Xavi: Bayern trip no ‘house of horror’ for Barca – Ghana Latest Football News, Live Scores, Results

Regardless of some gory defeats for Barcelona on the Allianz Enviornment in recent times, coach Xavi Hernandez insists his workforce usually are not coming into a “home of horror” once they face Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

Barca misplaced 3-0 in Munich within the Champions League group stage final season and have didn’t win in six visits to their German counterparts, drawing twice and shedding 4 occasions for an combination rating of 14-4.

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On high of that, the 8-2 defeat within the quarterfinal in Lisbon in 2020 stays omnipresent heading into this week’s fixture, with each groups tied on three factors on the high of Group C following the opening video games.

“I would not say it is a home of horror, it is Bayern Munich,” Xavi smiled when requested about Barca’s poor document in Munich at a information confernece on Monday.

“I’ve skilled either side of the coin, beating them and shedding to them. I do know [recent results have not been favourable], however soccer is cyclical.

“It is true we’ve got by no means received right here, which exhibits the issue of this week’s sport. However we’re in good kind and we’re excited for Tuesday.”

Quite a bit has modified at Barcelona since they final misplaced in Munich 9 months in the past, a outcome which noticed Xavi’s aspect eradicated from the Champions League within the group stage for the primary time in 20 years.

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez leads his workforce into the Allianz Enviornment for match in opposition to Bayern on Tuesday. Pedro Salado/High quality Sport Photographs/Getty Photographs

They signed eight gamers this summer season for over €150 million, together with Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha from Leeds United and Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, who’re all anticipated to begin on Tuesday, and have 13 factors from 15 after 5 LaLiga video games.

“All the pieces is completely different,” Xavi added. “We’ve improved in lots of points and we really feel able to competing.

“There have been so many modifications however above all I might say the mentality. After that defeat, I advised the gamers that that is Barca, that we’ve got to run, work exhausting, and present persona. It was not the picture of Barca that we wished.

“The mentality has now modified. We’ve extra persona now. The signings have additionally had an have an effect on and wins breed confidence.”

Lewandowski has made an enormous distinction. The Poland striker has scored 9 objectives in six appearances since shifting to Barca for €45m and Xavi says he’s relishing dealing with his former aspect.

“Robert is ok,” Xavi mentioned. “He is relaxed, calm, assured. He’s a pure chief for the workforce. It is a particular sport for him and he’s actually motivated.

“He rested on the weekend so he is recent and he’s in good kind. Clearly, Robert is one among our arms in assault, however we’ve got different gamers, too, and we need to present that on Tuesday.”

Lewandowski spent eight years at Bayern alongside Thomas Muller, who joked earlier on Monday he must keep in mind to not go to him when he makes his return to the Allianz Enviornment.

“For the previous 10 days, Sadio [Mane] has been having enjoyable telling me to not go the ball to Lewy by chance,” Muller mentioned in a information convention.

“We’ve to play our sport, however we will not let Lewy play his sport. He is a high striker, he is harmful in or near the field. We’ve to cease him from entering into capturing positions.”

Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann, in the meantime, hopes Lewandowski is given a heat reception by Bayern supporters.

“I shall be pleased if our followers give him a great reception,” he mentioned. “That will be regular when somebody has achieved a lot for the membership.

“He was an essential a part of the Bayern household. I’m wanting ahead to seeing him once more. We spoke a few weeks in the past, not about soccer, however will probably be good to see him in particular person.”

Bayern, who’ve drawn three in a row within the Bundesliga however beat Internazionale 2-0 in Europe final week, shall be with out Kingsley Coman, whereas Barca have travelled to Germany with a full squad.

Supply: espn.co.uk