Getty Dani Alves has praised Xavi.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has explained his decision to start both Andreas Christensen and Marcos Alonso in defense for his team’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.
Both players arrived at the Camp Nou in the summer transfer window from the Premier League and will face the Bundesliga champions from the start. Alonso takes over at left-back while Christensen partners Ronald Araujo at center-back.
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Xavi offered his thoughts on his starting XI ahead of kick-off in a chat with Movistar, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
“They come fresh, it’s a good match for Marcos Alonso and Christensen,” he said. “It’s the best eleven to compete in the best way.”
Jules Kounde completes the backline at right-back. The French defender made it clear in the build-up to the match he wants to play at center-back rather than on the flank but has been preferred to Hector Bellerin and Sergi Roberto for Tuesday’s match.
Barcelona’s defense has been in fine form this season and has conceded just two goals in all competition so far in 2022-23. However, the backline will face its sternest examination yet at the home of the Bavarian giants.
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Lewandowski Receives Warm Welcome
Xavi also admitted that striker Robert Lewandowski is “highly motivated” as he returns to his former club for the first time since departing for the Camp Nou in the summer transfer window.
The striker arrives in prolific form after having scored nine goals in six games already for the Catalan giants. Lewandowski received a warm welcome from Bayern supporters as he took to the pitch for the warm-up.
Lewandowski starts the game in attack alongside Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha. The trio play ahead of a midfield three consisting of captain Sergio Busquets and teenagers Pedri and Gavi.
Xavi Confident of Victory
Barcelona have made an unbeaten start to the season but will have to do something they have never done before if they are to take home all three points, namely win in Munich.
The Catalans have struggled against the Bavarian giants in recent years and Xavi told a pre-match press conference that he is confident the time has come to finally win at the home of the Bavarian giants.
“We’re talking about Bayern Munich here. I’ve experienced both sides of the coin. I’ve won and lost. Football is cyclical,” he said. “But yes it’s true we’ve only managed to win twice and we’ve not won here in Munich. We know the difficulty of the challenge ahead. But I think we are more than capable of doing so.”
Bayern won all of their group games last season in the Champions League, beating Barcelona 3-0 home and away in the process. However, the hosts have drawn three of their six league games so far this season and will know they face a tougher test this time around, particularly with Lewandowski now lining up for the opposition.
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