FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez believes that the Catalans will find it difficult to defeat Sevilla in their Laliga clash on Friday, September 29 at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
The Blaugrana (Blue and Red) are looking to bounce back to winning ways after a disappointing 2-2 draw with Real Mallorca on Tuesday, September 26 at the Iberostar Stadium.
Vedat Muriqi and Abdon got the goals for Real Mallorca while Fermin Lopez and Raphina scored for the Xavi Hernandez led side.
Barcelona are keen make a solid statement to against Sevilla amidst the Negreira case.
Barcelona could have Laliga points deducted or they could face expulsion from the UEFA Champions League if found culpable in the referee bribing scandal.
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Speaking in the press conference, Xavi insisted that Barcelona is on the right track.
“We are on the right track,” fcbarcelona.com quoted Xavi as saying.
“We might not be brilliant in defence as we were last season, we need to improve our pressure after losing the ball, press higher up the pitch, concentrate a bit harder.
“But we have got better upfront. We created six clear chances against Mallorca and I think that’s good baggage.
“Sevilla are the defending Europa League champions and a difficult team to play. They’re solid, they like to play down the wings and play a direct vertical game. But we’re at home. We need the fans and the atmosphere at Montjuic to get back on the winning track.”
Barcelona are currently third in the 2023/24 Laliga standings with 17 points after seven games in the Spanish top flight.
They are one point behind Real Madrid who are in second place and have played the same number of matches.
They are two points behind surprise table toppers Girona who have also played seven games in the division.
The Blaugrana have won Laliga 27 times which the latest title win coming last season.
Sevilla are currently in 12th position in the Spanish League standings with seven points from six games.
