Xavi: Copa del Rey matches are difficult for us. We don’t have much to gain, but we can lose everything

Barcelona is preparing for Wednesday’s Copa del Rey match against Intercity, the third highest Spanish league. Blaugranas coach Xavi knows very well that these matches are not easy.

We have already seen several sensations in the first rounds of the cups and all over the world. The lower league clubs are highly motivated and play on the brink of self-sacrifice, while the favourites often lack motivation, play with a changed line-up and underestimate the match.

We have seen so many “fairy tale” stories where players who normally go to work get knocked out by millionaires.

And that’s what Xavi fears in Barcelona’s first-round Copa del Rey clash with Intercity. He knows very well that these matches are very dangerous.

“The first games in the Cup have always been a problem for us. They are extremely difficult matches. I remember getting knocked out as a player. You have very little to gain and a lot to lose,” Barcelona coach Xavi said at a press conference.

“It’s an opponent that plays very well. We have information from Barça B. We are huge favourites and sometimes that causes problems,” Xavi added.

The Barcelona coach also announced that there will be rotations in the lineup. Xavi announced that players who need to get game time, such as Ronald Araujo and Eric García, will start.

However, he also revealed that Pedri and Robert Lewandowski will be rested. The Polish goal scorer in particular still has an outstanding suspension. Before the World Cup, he was given a three-match ban for a red card, but Barcelona appealed and until the case is resolved, he can play as he did against Espanyol at the weekend.

Source: MARCA