Flick Labels Barcelona vs Espanyol as "Heavier" Ahead of Catalan Derby
Ahead of the highly anticipated Catalan derby, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has expressed his belief that the match against Espanyol will be a challenging one. The match, scheduled for Sunday, January 8th, 2023, at the Camp Nou, is expected to be a fiery encounter, with both teams eager to secure victory.
In the pre-match press conference, Xavi acknowledged the importance of the game, stating, "It is always a difficult game. We know Espanyol are a good team, and they will be motivated to beat us." He added, "We have to be prepared to give our all and win this game."
Barcelona currently sits comfortably at the top of the La Liga table, with a considerable lead over their closest rivals. However, Xavi is wary of underestimating Espanyol, a team known for their tenacity and ability to upset the odds. The Blaugrana manager underscored the need for his team to be at their best to secure a victory.
Espanyol, on the other hand, are struggling to find their footing in the league, currently sitting in the relegation zone. The derby clash presents them with an opportunity to pull off a crucial upset and gain some much-needed momentum. The team will be hoping to capitalize on Barcelona's recent inconsistencies, particularly in their defense, to cause an upset.
With both teams facing significant pressure, this Catalan derby promises to be an enthralling encounter. Barcelona will be looking to maintain their strong start to the season and extend their lead at the top of the table, while Espanyol will be hoping for a monumental upset to lift themselves out of the relegation battle.
The match kicks off at 4:15 PM local time at the Camp Nou, and it will be interesting to see if Xavi's predictions of a "heavier" game come true.
Key takeaways:
- Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez believes the match against Espanyol will be a tough one, highlighting the importance of the game and the need for his team to be at their best.
- Espanyol is looking for an upset win to boost their chances of escaping the relegation zone.
- The Catalan derby promises to be a fiercely contested encounter, with both teams facing significant pressure.
Stay tuned for updates on the match and its impact on the La Liga standings.