DBasia.news – Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti admits that he can’t wait to face Barcelona, ahead of the first leg of the Europa League playoffs, Friday (18/2) at midnight WIB.
Napoli travelled to Camp Nou for the first time in two years, with the capital as the third-placed team in the Serie A standings, one of the challengers to the Scudetto, in addition to Inter Milan and AC Milan.
On the other hand, Barcelona is experiencing a setback. Apart from being knocked out of the Champions League, they also have to struggle to just be in the top four of the La Liga standings.
However, Luciano Spalletti admits it was a dream match for him, with a visit to a historic stadium, against a club with a long history.
“This is a dream game, you have to enjoy it and test yourself to see your character and reach the top of the football game. That’s what we are trying to do,” Spalletti told a news conference.
“If we start to think about the history of this club and stadium, there is a risk that we will feel intimidated. So it’s better to focus on ourselves and the game we are playing is already visible.”
Spalletti will face Xavi Hernandez, who is just starting his career as a coach. When compared to him, of course the Barca coach lacked experience, but Spalletti did not underestimate him.
“Xavi has become a true football expert since he was a player, so it’s no wonder he became a coach,” explained the former Inter Milan tactician.
“They also brought in more unpredictable players in the January transfer window, which could change the game.”