Xavi takes stock of ‘difficult’ Europa League draw against Man United

Barcelona, Spain, Nov 7 (EFE).- FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández on Monday said his team had been given the most difficult draw in the Europa League against Manchester United.

Barça were put up against the Red Devils after crashing out of the Champions League.

“Manchester United was the most difficult rival that we could have got, and again for us it is the most difficult,” he told a press conference, referring also to the Catalan club’s tough group in the Uefa Champions League alongside Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Viktoria Plzen.

“It’s a historic rival with great players and great individuals, and which has grown under (Erik) ten Hag.”

“Cristiano is a brilliant player, he has defined an era of world football and he can still make a difference,” he added.

With this year’s Champions League campaign over, Barça have their eyes on the Europa League trophy not just for their legacy but also to help shore up holes in the club’s finances.

The knockout tie against Manchester United will be a major hurdle.

The first leg of the encounter will take place at the Camp Nou on February 23. EFE

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