Barcelona’s Xavi surprised at Napoli under new coach
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said he was surprised with Napoli under their new coach ahead of their Champions League Round of 16 tie clash.
The Italian side fired Walter Mazzarri and brought in Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona.
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Calzona is the third coach for Napoli this season.
“Napoli changed their coach in a surprising way,” Xavi told the media.
“They have their reasons, but it’s not an easy match to prepare for, as we don’t know what to expect.”
“The new manager knows the team well. I have no idea what tactical system he’s going to use.”
“What’s important is to focus on our style of play and what we want to do, on our ambitions which are to reach the quarter-finals.
“What is certain is that we will have to defend well up against their very strong attacking trio.
“(Victor) Osimhen, (Khvicha) Kvaratskhelia and (Matteo) Politano can turn a game.”
Napoli continues to struggle this season after Luciano Spalletti left the club. Spalletti led The Blues to a Serie A title last season.
Rudy Garcia, Spalletti’s replacement, did not last long with Napoli, as the team sacked him in November.
Despite the setback, Xavi insists Real Madrid are not the favorites to win the game.
“It’s 50-50, we’ll see tomorrow who is favorite at the end of the game,” said Xavi, who will step down as the Barca chief at the end of the season.
“It doesn’t change anything for me nor for my team. I’m motivated and want to pass that motivation on to the team.
“When you are a player or manager at Barcelona the pressure is always the same and it’s very strong.”
Barcelona hopes to reach the quarter-final after failing to make it out of the Champions League group stage in the past two seasons.
