Xavi hopes to repay fans with results as Barça prepare for Espanyol

Barcelona, Spain, Nov 19 (EFE).- Xavi Hernández on Friday said he hoped the fan enthusiasm generated by his signing as FC Barcelona’s new head coach would be repaid with good results.

Xavi is set to make his Barça managerial debut against cross-city rivals Espanyol in a league tie Saturday evening.

“We’re playing a derby and we can’t afford to fail,” he told the press on the eve of the game.

“You come out stronger after winning a derby. We will try to play well, keep possession, not be showy, apply high pressure and play in their half, that’s what we believe is the easier way to win.”

Xavi still has some glaring holes in his team sheet through injury or illness, including Dembélé, Pedri, Sergio Agüero, Martin Braithwaite and Ansu Fati.

He said he had yet to decide on his starting XI, but that he was impressed at how the players have been in training.

Barcelona are currently sitting in 9th spot in LaLiga, two places ahead of Espanyol. Both teams have 17 points. EFE

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