(Reuters) – Xavi Hernandez, the manager of Barcelona, emphasized the importance of the fans’ support as the team prepares to host Porto in the Champions League. Barcelona is looking to secure qualification for the knockout rounds after suffering a defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk in their previous match, leaving their progress in doubt.
After two years of failing to emerge from the group stage, Xavi expressed the significance of the upcoming game, stating, “It’s a very important, vital game for us. It’s up to us to be first.”
Xavi urged the fans to come out and support the team, stating, “We’re playing at home. We need the fans. Hopefully it’s going to be a magical night. It’s essential that the fans are there. The last few years, we have suffered. It’s important that they are with the team.”
Barcelona also struggled in their most recent LaLiga game, drawing 1-1 at Rayo Vallecano, causing them to slip to fourth in the table.
Despite recent poor results, Xavi expressed confidence in having the backing of the club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco, stating, “I feel supported by the club in every way. I talk to the president and Deco every day.”
Barcelona are dealing with injuries to key players, with midfielder Gavi tearing his anterior cruciate ligament on international duty and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen missing Saturday’s game with a back injury.
Xavi expressed hope for ter Stegen’s return in the upcoming game against Porto, stating, “Tomorrow Marc will try, let’s see how he is. He hasn’t trained. Tomorrow we’ll try to see if he’s 100%.”
Reflecting on their previous match against Porto, Xavi acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “In Porto we suffered, they are a very strong opponent.”
Barcelona currently leads Group H, level on nine points with Porto, while Shakhtar Donetsk is three points behind. They are set to face bottom club Antwerp on Tuesday.
(Reporting by Trevor Stynes, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
