Xavi: Bayern and Inter took advantage of their chances; Barça did not
The Barcelona coach spoke as the Champions League ended for his side for another year
Barcelona ended their Champions League campaign with a 4-2 win over Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday as they turn their thoughts to the Europa League in the New Year.
Coach Xavi Hernandez spoke after the game:
The win: "I am satisfied with some things, not so much with other things. We did OK in the first half but we suffered a lot after. We gave away a lot of unnecessary fouls. Viktoria were very intense and we gave away more chances than normal. We suffered from corners, set plays... We knew it would be difficult. I liked how the team attacked, but we gave up too much in defence."
CL campaign: "The assessment is negative at the end of the [Champions League] campaign. We had qualification in our hands. You have to take your chances in this competition. Bayern and Inter took theirs. We were not able to win in Munich or Milan."
Europa League: "Barça are among the favourites to win the Europa League. It is shaping up to be a really nice competition and the objective is to go all the way and win it. That is the challenge for the club and the team."
Kessie injury: "He is devastated because it's his hamstring. He was doing well until the injury. It's a shame."
Torre goal and full debut: "Pablo played well. It was a difficult game for the midfielders. They had to attack spaces and that is not his main strength. He has other qualities, but he understood the game well and ended up scoring the fourth goal by attacking the space. He just had cramp after, nothing serious."
FERRAN TORRES
It's a bittersweet taste. It was a game to grow in confidence and, for those of us that have not played as much, to get some minutes. But we are Barcelona and we should be in the next round of the Champions League, but as the coach said to us, we now have to give everything in Europa League and LaLiga.
