Unwavering Confidence in the Dressing Room to Progress to Quarters

The coaching staff acknowledges the team’s strengths in the first half and recent positive strides, expressing both satisfaction and disappointment from the Napoli clash. They regret missed opportunities but believe improved finishing can secure victory in the Montjuïc return leg.

The FC Barcelona expedition returned from Naples with a mix of satisfaction and disappointment but with firm conviction and confidence in securing a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals based on their performance at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

The coaching staff is pleased with many aspects, especially the team’s performance in the first half-hour of play. They commend the commitment of all players, the focus displayed throughout the match, limiting Napoli’s attacking opportunities, and the ability to create danger. However, there’s a tinge of disappointment in the coaching staff due to the outcome. As seen in other games this season, Barcelona lacked precision in finishing, and they believe they could have scored a couple of goals in the first half.

Looking ahead, both the coaching staff and players in the dressing room are confident that Barcelona has three weeks to prepare effectively for the return leg. They aim to replicate the positive aspects from Naples, ensuring control throughout the entire match and avoiding concessions when in a leading position.

The team is certain that the fans will create an ideal atmosphere at Montjuïc, becoming a valuable ally for the players. Without underestimating Napoli, the coaching staff believes Barcelona boasts a superior squad and is confident that, with corrections from the Napoli match, they will reach the Champions League quarter-finals—an essential current objective for the club.

Xavi observes that since announcing his departure on June 30, the team has liberated itself, performing significantly better in recent weeks. Despite occasional setbacks, such as inaccuracy in some matches, Barcelona has secured ten out of the last twelve points in La Liga. The Napoli draw is viewed optimistically in the dressing room. While cautious optimism prevails, there’s a genuine belief that Barcelona will reach the Champions League quarter-finals, a feat not achieved since 2020.