Xavi: Real Madrid is like a chameleele. And our doors are open to Messi.
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez confirmed his team's desire to win the Clasico, against the traditional rival Real Madrid, on Sunday evening, at the Santiago Bernabéu, in the 29th round of the La Liga competition.
"We have to show that we are in good shape, we have developed as a team and we have to show character and try to impose the way we play, and if we have to select a favorite team, it is Real Madrid because they are the leaders and have great moments," Xavi said at the press conference.
"Real Madrid are like chameleons, you never know if they will defend or attack, as they lived a rough half hour against Paris Saint-Germain with pressure, and I expect a match similar to our super cup clash, where they waited and relied on reverse attacks."
"I don't know if there is a knot in the last Clasico games, where I wasn't there, but it's a great opportunity to change history and win will support us a lot in our work," continued the Barcelona manager.
Pique's position. And crowning in La Liga
"Benzema is one of the best strikers in the world, his absence is impressive, but for us nothing will change our plans, and I think it will change their style somewhat," said Real Madrid star Karim Benzema.
"I don't see any pressure before the Clasico, we have to be brave, try to impose our style, be calm, and with my experience I can convey calm to the players, we have three points we want and try to enjoy playing."
On the duo Busquets and Beque, he explained: "Everything Busquets has done for Barcelona and the team has been clearly good, yet they have criticized him, and he deserves the comfort that Enrique has given him, and Beke is ready despite feeling some discomfort recently."
He continued: "If we win, we will be closer to our goal of qualifying for the Champions League next season, but I think the la Liga coronation is far complicated. I have clear ideas for tomorrow's game, and today in training we will adjust some things."
2004 scenario. And the return of Messi
"Fortunately, I have very good memories, great victories, which doesn't always happen, and those victories goals at the Bernabéu were not normal," Xavi said of his memories at the Bernabéu.
On the possibility of the return of Argentine Lionel Messi star Paris Saint-Germain, he revealed: "All the doors are open for Messi, and as long as I am the coach here, he is able to visit the team at any time and watch the training."
"Lionel Messi work for us is invaluable and he is the best player in history and deserves a lot of praise, but now he has a contract with Paris Saint-Germain and I think he has signed for two years," said the Barcelona manager.
"If we win the Clásico, it's going to be similar to what happened in 2004, and this win didn't help us win la Liga, but it made us stronger and undymedic. We have many possibilities for Araujo to participate as a right-back."