Champions League: Much at stake for Barcelona, Xavi in Napoli trip for Round of 16, first leg

FC Barcelona faces crucial match against Napoli in the UEFA Champions League round of 16. The game is crucial for coach Xavi Hernandez and the club’s economy. Barcelona’s budget for 2023-2024 is dependent on reaching the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

With debts of over 1,000 million euros, Barcelona’s financial situation relies heavily on the extra 10 million euros they would receive from UEFA for reaching the last eight. A defeat could jeopardize coach Xavi’s position, despite his assurances of staying until the end of the season.

Barcelona President Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco may make a decision to replace Xavi if they lose the first leg. Although Xavi’s comments regarding their performance in the league have raised eyebrows, Barcelona currently sits third in the table, eight points behind Real Madrid.

Napoli, their opponents, are in a worse state, sitting ninth in Serie A and recently sacking their coach. Barca received positive injury news with Joao Felix and Sergi Roberto passing fit, while Xavi is expected to make tactical adjustments to his lineup to prioritize avoiding a first-leg defeat.

Xavi’s strategic midfield addition implies caution, emphasizing the importance of avoiding a loss in the first leg for the club’s future and his own. With so much at stake, FC Barcelona’s match against Napoli is one of the most pivotal games of their season, with serious implications for the club’s finances and coach Xavi’s future.