What Xavi said on Man Utd Qatar takeover, Barcelona game, Marcus Rashford & more

Xavi answered questions on a range of topics before Barcelona face Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The European heavyweights will battle it out for a place in the last-16 of the Europa League on Thursday, with the tie poised perfectly at 2-2 ahead of the second leg. But the Barca boss also gave his view on Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Al Thani’s bid to buy the Red Devils.

Xavi knows the Sheikh from his time playing in Qatar and backed his offer to take over the club, stating it would be a ‘good option’ for United. The former midfielder was also asked for his opinion on the upcoming game, how he’ll replace the unavailable Pedri and Gavi and what he makes of Marcus Rashford’s form.

Here’s what Xavi had to say on the eve of the Europa League tie…

Huge match

“Tomorrow is a tough game. I believe United are one of the best teams in Europe now. They are showing it now. It’s one of the best Man Uniteds of the last years. The players showed real passion in the Camp Nou, great rhythm. We have to match them and we know it’s going to be difficult. They have great fans who will will them on. We need a big mentality and I think Man United are still up there competing with Manchester City and Arsenal. It’s a great stage for us to show Barca can compete with the top teams. I always say that the pressure is for me. Tomorrow you [the players] should enjoy the stage - I would give anything to play tomorrow in this atmosphere at Old Trafford. A knockout at Old Trafford should motivate every player.”

Sheikh Jassim backing

“I have a good relationship with the Sheikh and he’s a serious, responsible person and I think he would do a good job. I know him so well. I think he’s a very good person with responsibility, serious. I think it would be a very good option for United.”

Missing Pedri and Gavi

“And [Ousmane] Dembele is a big blow for us. They are players who are so important for us. Gavi has the passion and intensity and we’ll need it tomorrow. It’s a big absence for us but we have players who can come in. Players can come in out wide and we have alternatives. It’s bad news but we have players who can come in.”

Picked starting XI

“Yeah I have decided on the players we will give to us, but the idea doesn’t change. Four across the middle or two strikers, but the plan doesn’t change. Beyond that we are going to compete and we need to say Barca can compete with these teams. There will be variations and we’ll look to create one versus ones, maybe fewer transitions. We can do a few things perfectly well.”

Rashford plan

“No, Rashofrd is an exceptional footballer and he is an extraordinary vein of form. We just have to do the same every game and put our personality in the game. We have to be wary that he is there.”

Casemiro and Varane

“Both are important for the team with the mentally they have. They are used to these games. It is very important for United. These players with experience are making the difference for the team.”