Barcelona boss Xavi is cautious of the hazards {that a} “very aggressive” Villarreal facet might pose as they put together to satisfy in La Liga on Saturday.
Barca come into the match on a three-match profitable streak within the league however sit eight factors behind league leaders Girona, who’ve performed one sport extra.
On the reverse finish of the desk, Villarreal are lingering simply 5 factors above the drop zone and are with out a win of their final three within the league.
Xavi understands Saturday’s opponents are going by way of a troublesome spell however continues to be alert to their risk.
Quoted on Barcelona’s official web site, he mentioned: “Villarreal are going by way of a foul patch.
“However Marcelino’s groups are all the time very aggressive and well-organised, and work arduous on defence. They nonetheless have a variety of standout gamers who could make all of the distinction.
“We nonetheless have each probability of catching up within the league and these subsequent two video games at residence are a key a part of that. And the group could be very united, we have now a really strong-minded squad. I’ve by no means seen a squad with a lot human high quality in my entire profession.”
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— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 26, 2024
Barcelona are presently struggling with a number of damage points which have depleted their squad barely, which have seen the likes of children Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi and Hector Fort get common sport time.
These on the damage listing embrace Gavi, Marcos Alonso, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Inigo Martinez, Raphinha and Alejandro Balde.
Xavi has praised his younger gamers for stepping up to speed in latest video games.
He added: “At their ages they shouldn’t be shouldered with these obligations, however given our present scenario it’s what we have now to do.
“They’re able to play and a variety of credit score has to go to Lamine, Cubarsi and Fort. They’re the current and way forward for the membership and that’s excellent information for Barca.”
Barcelona narrowly got here out on high in a seven-goal thriller the final time the 2 sides met, Robert Lewandowski’s purpose clinching a 4-3 win for the Catalan facet.
Villarreal boss Marcelinho is anticipating the very best of Barcelona and thinks his group have gotten extra aggressive.
He mentioned: “They’re a group that has solely misplaced two video games. It’s true that they’re conceding greater than final yr and that’s taking factors away from them and, though they aren’t at their perfect, I’m anticipating a very good Barca facet.
“Crucial factor in soccer is consistency. We’re extra aggressive now however at particular moments we’re being punished an excessive amount of by our opponents’ ending, which we regularly lack.
“We’re not all the time exhibiting that degree regularly and our job is to determine why and work on it.”
