Chidalu Obiajulu
Legendary FC Barcelona player, Lionel Messi, the club’s most appearance, Goals, Assists and many other, has predicted the success of the club under his former teammate Xavi.
The Argentine predicts that due to Xavi’s knowledge of football and the club, that the team will be a success under him.
Following the abrupt dismissal of Ex-manager Ronald Koeman at the beginning of the month, Xavi was scouted and appointed as the incumbent manager.
In his first game at the helm, during their encounter with Espanyol, he made sure he secured a win. The Blaugrana had 11 shots in the first half at Camp Nou – the most they have had in the opening 45 minutes of any game this season – but had also faced 12 by the final whistle, the most in a Barca boss’ opening LaLiga game in charge since Frank Rijkaard (17) in August 2002.
And up next is an important Champions league match against Benfica. This game determines their fate in the knockout, and the ex teammate Lionel Messi believes his friend and teammate will be able to bring Barcelona back on track.
Messi told Marca. “Barcelona will grow with Xavi. He is a coach who knows a lot and knows the club perfectly. He knows more about the club than other previous, so I expect them back on track.”
While on the other hand, Messi would be dreaming to secure the champions league trophy this season, after he had linked up with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar Jr, and Angel Di Maria in Parc De Prince, PSG.
Though the Argentine knows that alot of work is needed in his fellow compatriots team, Mauricio Pochettino, he believes and acknowledged that they’re one of the favourites to get their hands on the European trophy.
“Everyone says that we are the favourites and I will not deny that we are one of the candidates because of names of big players on the team,but still,we need alot of work to be there, fully prepared to face anyone,” Messi commented.
The French giants would love to book their place in the round of 16 by beating Manchester city away from home, which they know won’t be that easy for them.
Messi has scored a total of seven goals against Manchester City in few plays against them. Manchester City who lost the reverse encounter, would love to put up a show this time, so as to secure the group ad winners.
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