Xavi aims subtle dig at PSG with Champions League ‘favourites’ claim

Comments on the part of Barcelona head coach Xavi regarding the club’s upcoming opponents on the continent have piqued widespread attentions on Saturday afternoon.

As much comes after the Spanish tactician aimed what has since been widely labelled a dig at Paris Saint-Germain.

Barca, of course, were pitted against the might of French champions PSG in yesterday’s draw for the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The tie has since given rise to a whole host of noteworthy talking points, from the respective returns of Luis Enrique and Dembélé to Catalunya, to the famed ‘Remontada’ of 2017.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, it was the subject of the favourites to emerge triumphant between the clubs, however, which was put to the aforementioned Xavi.

And, in his response, Barca’s headmaster made use of the opportunity to highlight both PSG’s frequent big-money signings, and lack of comparable history on the continent.

Drawn on suggestions in the French media that his side are viewed as considerable underdogs for the tie, Xavi explained:

“PSG saying that it’s an easy draw against us? They are probably the favourites because of the huge transfers that they made lately but we have the history by our side with more Champions League trophies.”

Conor Laird | GSFN