Barcelona manager, Xavi has revealed that he hates listening to the Champions League anthem, with his team not in the competition.
While Erling Haaland loves it so much that the Manchester City forward even has it as his alarm tone, Xavi happens to hate it so much.
“It still makes me angry to listen to the Champions League anthem from home. For history and greatness, we should be there,” the Barca boss said in his pre match press conference.
The Spanish league leaders started the season in the Champions League but were knocked out at the group stages, dropping into the Europa.
Xavi admitted that his side didn’t deserve to be in the competition, adding, “We have to face reality.
“We are excited about this competition [the Europa League], which has been very beautiful for the teams that have remained.
“It’s always important, and more so in Europe, since we’re coming off a few seasons without success. It’s a good test, without a doubt, to see that we can compete in Europe.”
Both Barca and United will be hoping to return to the Champions League next season but whoever wins the tie will be amongst the favourites to take Europa glory, in Hungary come May.
