El Clasico: FC Barcelona coach Xavi has driven the club to success this season, having already bagged Spanish Super Cup, leading the La Liga chart with 12 points and ready to take against Real Madrid in the semis of the 2nd leg of Copa del Rey on April 5. However, all the good work is overshadowed by the controversies off-field. The Catalan club are subject of an investigation amid the ongoing Negreira scandal, however, Barcelona are not affected by the noise, says head coach Xavi. Follow Real Madrid vs Barcelona LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN
Barcelona have denied any wrongdoings and Xavi insisted that allegations have no impact on his squad. Speaking ahead of the 2nd leg of the Copa del Rey semis, he says, ‘Extra-sporting issues don’t go into the locker room. We talk about how to defend, how to attack. We are not talking about UEFA, nor Negreira,’
We are focused on the Cup: there is a Clasico, they will come wanting revenge and we want to show that we can win again. The Camp Nou has to be a pressure cooker.
I listen very little [to outside comments] and we value from within. The president values it very much. If the boss is not happy, it matters what is said from outside.
Nothing should divert us, tomorrow we can have a double joy: to beat Madrid and reach a final. We are much better than last season.’
🚨 The squad for #ElClásico! pic.twitter.com/nWnQzXY0M3
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 4, 2023
Moreover, in a shocking development in the case, a Spanish report suggests La Liga President Javier Tebas presented false evidence against FC Barcelona to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, claiming the Tebas intentionally embroiled two of the former Barca presidents for unfair administration and misappropriation.
On the other hand, the Catalan club released a statement urging LaLiga president Javier Tebas to step down after his false allegations. However, when asked about the recent developments in the case, Xavi refused to comment on the matter.
‘I don’t know him, we have greeted each other two three times, and I don’t have a clear opinion,’ he added
FC Barcelona are up against their arch-rivals Real Madrid holding a narrow lead of 1-0 heading into the Wednesday tie. Meanwhile, ahead of the El Clasico Barcelona have cancelled the traditional, as two boards usually meet for lunch before every Clasico as a gesture of friendship before the big tie. Reports of Sport suggests, the Catalan outfit are angry with Real Madrid’s approach in the ongoing Negreira case.
Real Madrid made a public statement stating they would be willing to testify against FC Barcelona, as the tension between the club heated up as there are uncertainties of Los Blancos president Florentino Perez making a visit to Camp Nou on Wednesday amid hostile atmosphere.
