MADRID, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez says he is looking forward to Thursday's Europa League clash against Manchester United at the Camp Nou.
Thursday's game and next week's return at Old Trafford see two of Europe's most in-form sides go head-to-head in the first knockout round when under other circumstances both could have been favorites to reach the final.
"It's a spectacular tie," admitted Xavi in his pre-game press conference. "Both sides are in good form and I think (Manchester United coach) Erik ten Hag has changed the face of his team."
"They have very good things and they can complicate things for us. I expect intensity, rhythm... And it is Europe. We want to show that we are at the level to compete in Europe," he said.
Barca are in the Europa League after failing to get out of the group stage of the Champions League for the second consecutive year, which means a big economic hit for the club, but Xavi insisted there was no "extra pressure" to qualify.
He said he expected a close game in Camp Nou, saying that "unless there were any surprises, I think it will be decided at Old Trafford (next week).
"I don't think we are favorites for the Europa League. I think it's a tough competition and really difficult to win," insisted Xavi.
He highlighted Manchester United's pace in attack, with players such as Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford.
"He is one of the fittest players in Europe and one of the most dangerous. He is very good in transitions, with good dribbling," he said of the in-form England international. ■
