Mikel Arteta Reacts to Xavi Hernandez’s Criticism Following Arsenal’s Victory over Barcelona

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was quick to defend his team and refute Xavi Hernandez’s criticism following their 5-3 victory over Barcelona in a preseason friendly. Xavi had remarked that the intensity displayed by Arsenal was “not normal,” but Arteta insisted that the competitive nature of the match was driven by both teams.

Arteta acknowledged that from the very beginning, the game became fiercely competitive, even though it was a friendly fixture. The presence of 70,000 spectators created an electric atmosphere, and both sets of elite players were determined to secure a victory. He emphasized that all players on the field had the desire to win, which contributed to the highly charged nature of the game.

Some of the tackles during the match were described as “spicy” for a friendly encounter, but Arteta pointed out that as the game progressed, the players took control and dictated the level of intensity. He highlighted that football belongs to the players, and once the match starts, they follow their instincts and act according to their competitive spirit.

Despite the increased intensity, Arteta believed that the performance put on by both teams was enthralling for the spectators. The match provided an exciting spectacle for all those who came to watch, showcasing the skills and determination of the players on the pitch.

Looking ahead, Barcelona will face Real Madrid in the next fixture, El Clasico, and Arteta acknowledged that despite being a friendly, both teams would undoubtedly seek to secure a victory in this highly anticipated match. Having been affected by a viral infection that impacted most of their squad, Barcelona’s preparation and fitness were affected, leading to the cancellation of their initial match against Arsenal.

As the preseason continues, both teams will aim to fine-tune their tactics and performance in preparation for the upcoming competitive season. The friendly encounter with Arsenal has provided valuable insights for Barcelona, and they will be eager to demonstrate their resilience and determination in the upcoming clash with their arch-rivals, Real Madrid.