Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez: "We cannot say that we are back yet"

Xavi appeared before the press on Wednesday to analyse the match between Manchester United and Barcelona in the Europa League last-16 play-offs.

Old Trafford awaits the Blaugrana after the 2-2 draw in the first leg at Spotify Camp Nou and it is one of those games that could mark a trajectory.

The Barça coach is clear: "We can't say we're back yet" because "we have to prove it on the pitch." That's what they're working on.

"It's a very difficult game, United is one of the best teams in Europe and they are proving it in terms of competitiveness and performances, this is one of the best United sides in recent times," Xavi said.

"[Coach Erik] Ten Hag's work is giving passion, rhythm, personality.... We have to match them.

In that sense, Xavi believes that "United are back." On the other hand, he believes that "we will see tomorrow if [Barça] have changed or not [in Europe]."

He added: "We can't say if we have changed. We're in the Europa League and we've been drawn against the toughest opponents. We want to compete, we did it at home. We'll see where we are. We can't say we're back. This is about showing it on the pitch."

Xavi also launched a message to his players: "It's a very good opportunity, I think it's a test, but this one with more emphasis. We have to show with personality and that we deserve to be there."

What the Barça coach is clear about is that, whatever the competition, "we can't throw anything away, we're Barça, we're not here to pick and choose trophies, we have four trophies [to play for] and we've won one.

"On Thursday, we could be out and it would be a very big disappointment. We're a long way from the final or the semi-final, but it's an important test.

"It would mean a lost title. We are very excited about the Europa League. The pressure is now on me as coach. We have the team to go through."