Barcelona boss Xavi has stated that the Catalan club deserved to win against Serie A side Napoli in the Champions League Round of 16 first leg.
Napoli headed into the game at the back of a managerial change. Walter Mazzarri left the club on Monday and former assistant boss Francesco Calzona was appointed and he undertook training yesterday, as Victor Osimhen returned to the starting XI today.
While Barcelona created the better of the chances in the game, Osimhen hit back with a goal in response to a Robert Lewandowski strike to give Napoli hope.
The Spanish club’s boss spoke to Prime Video (via TMW) and stated that the Catalans deserved to win. He said: “There is a bit of sadness, after the 1-0 Napoli woke up but this is the Champions League. If there was a team that deserved to win it was Barcelona. I liked the team a lot in both departments, both in front and in defense.”
The ex-midfielder is set to leave the club at the end of the season and he was asked if he has any regrets about the decision. He said the decision is the best for the club.
“Definitely, but the decision has been made and I won’t go back. I think it’s the correct decision for the club.”
Kaustubh Pandey | GIFN
