Europa League - Praise for Manchester United's excellence Xavi: We should be proud

2023-02-17 09:22

Europa League - Praise for Manchester United's excellence Xavi: We should be proud


In the first round of the UEFA Europa League play-offs in the 2022/23 season, the La Liga giants Barcelona finally shook hands with the Premier League giants Manchester United 2-2 after relying on the goals contributed by Alonso and Rafinha. After the game, Barcelona coach Harvey even praised Manchester United as the top team in Europe in an interview, but he also believed that Barcelona deserved to win the Europa League.


In addition, Xavi also said that the Barcelona players should be proud of the efforts they put in in this game, and also praised Manchester United coach Ten Hag for his work in the team. But Xavi also believes that the team could have won a game at a high level, and he also believes that the two sides can also meet in the Champions League final in the future.


In the 50th minute of the second half, Rafinha crossed from the right corner and Marcos Alonso scored a header from the left side of the penalty area to make it 1-0 for Barcelona against Manchester United . This campaign is deadlocked. Three minutes later, Fred sent a direct pass from the center, Rashford in the penalty area received a low shot from a small angle and scored, helping Manchester United quickly equalize the score 1-1.


In the 59th minute, Rashford made a cross from the bottom line on the right. Bruno Fernandez hooked the ball from the front point, and the ball bounced into the net after hitting Conde's body, allowing Manchester United to lead 2-1. to Barcelona. In the 76th minute, Rafinha created an offensive opportunity in front of the penalty area. Although Lewandowski kicked in the front, it also affected De Gea's judgment. Then the ball flew directly into the far corner of the net, allowing Barcelona turned the score 2-2.


Harvey said that although Barcelona could only draw with Manchester United 2-2 in this focus game, he still enjoyed the game very much. Harvey said, "It was a very difficult game, full of intensity, passion and rhythm. I think we should be proud because we still gave a good performance until the last moment. We could have played in the last two chances. We won against the top teams in Europe."


Happy to see the attitude of the players wanting to stay on the pitch


In addition, Harvey also particularly praised Manchester United coach Ten Hag for leading the team to achieve a brilliant performance. "I think Manchester United are coming back and they are at their best. We should be proud and we have to play better at Old Trafford."


Xavi also said, "I think these two teams are more or less in the same position at the same moment, we are coming back. I want to say to Ten Hag, 'Congratulations', because he did a good job. , they are Manchester United. Maybe in the final, semi-final or quarter-final, maybe in the future Champions League, but now we are in the Europa League and we are back."


"We showed the best performance of the team today, both teams performed very well."


In addition, when asked about the frustration of Rafinha, who made great achievements in this campaign, after being replaced, Harvey said that he was very happy to see the attitude of the players who wanted to stay on the court. "It's normal, that's how football goes. I have to say they should be angry, it's in a positive way. When I was a player, I was also angry when the coach asked me to come off."


"If the players don't show attitude on the pitch, that's the problem, and Rafinha always gives 100 per cent, which is fantastic."