Barcelona manager Xavi has reacted to drawing Manchester United in this afternoon’s Europa League play-off draw in Nyon, Switzerland.
Erik ten Hag‘s Red Devils will travel to the Nou Camp on February 16 for the first leg of the blockbuster clash between two of Europe’s biggest clubs.
The following week, the Catalan giants will head to Old Trafford for the second leg as both sides face off against one and other for a spot in the Europa League last-16.
The twenty-time league champions haven’t faced Barcelona since the 2018-19 Champions League campaign when Barca knocked us out of the quarter-final stage 4-0 on aggregate.
Xavi was part of the star-studded Barcelona side, managed by Pep Guardiola, that won two Champions League finals at Manchester United’s expense under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Barcelona manager Xavi reacts to drawing Manchester United in Europa League play-off draw
Having finished third in their Champions League group for the second consecutive season, Xavi’s Barcelona, who will have Frenkie de Jong in midfield will pit their wits against Ten Hag’s side.
Giving his immediate reaction to this afternoon’s draw, Xavi told ESPN: “It is the most difficult opponent once again. But we will look forward to it. They are a historic side, they have grown a lot with the arrival of Ten Hag, they have great players. It’s the worst draw we could have got. Once again. No luck.”
Barcelona currently sit top of La Liga with 34 points from 13 games, but were unable to finish above Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in their Champions League group.
Manchester United were unable to qualify for the Europa League last 16 after finishing second behind fellow La Liga side Real Sociedad in Group E.
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