Manchester (EFE).- Xavi Hernández, Barcelona coach, assured that Leo Messi has the doors of Barcelona “open” and that a possible return will depend a lot on the Argentine.
“This is your house and you have the doors open. There is no doubt. He is a friend, we are in permanent contact. It will depend a lot on him, on what he wants to do in his future, on what the club wants to do as well, ”Xavi said at a press conference before taking on Manchester United this Thursday.
Asked by the Blaugrana coach if Messi would fit into the current team, Xavi made it clear: “He is the best in the world and in history, he would always fit in.”
Xavi rules out a reunion with Guardiola in Manchester
The Catalan coach, who appeared before the media this Wednesday to analyze the duel against Manchester United in the Europa League, ruled out a possible reunion with Pep Guardiola in Manchester, before taking on Manchester United this Thursday.
Xavi ruled out being able to meet with Pep Guardiola, with whom he met at Barcelona, due to the agendas of both teams.
“He has a very important game today, we are leaving tomorrow night… We are in constant contact, but the meeting will have to be another day”, explained Xavi.
Guardiola leads Manchester City this Wednesday against RB Leipzig in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, while Barcelona will return to Barcelona tomorrow night after the duel against Manchester United.
Xavi: “It’s an opportunity to show that we can compete in Europe”
Xavi Hernández, Barcelona coach, described Thursday’s duel against Manchester United as an “exam” and an “opportunity” to show that Barcelona can compete “against one of the greats in Europe.
“It is a very difficult match. Manchester United is one of the best teams in Europe. On many levels it is the best Manchester United in recent years. At the Camp Nou they showed a lot of personality, a lot of character, a lot of rhythm. We need the mentality to win a big game in Europe”, Xavi told the media at Old Trafford.
“It is a perfect opportunity to show that Barcelona can compete against one of the greats in Europe. It is a game to compete. It is a very good opportunity. It’s an exam, every game for Barça is an exam, this one with more emphasis. It is a very good opportunity for us. We arrived at a good time. Leaders in the league, in Cup semis, and we already have a title, the Spanish Super Cup.