Xavi suggests Barcelona to not obsess over Champions League glory

Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez has said that the Catalan club must not be obsessed about winning the Champions League.

Barcelona last won the most prestigious European club competition in 2015, completing a second treble, when Xavi was the captain of the side. But since then the furthest Barcelona have been able to reach in the competition is the semi-finals and their ignominious exits in the last two seasons have left both the club and the fans more desperate for the trophy. 

Though, former club captain Xavi has suggested otherwise. The current manager of Qatar club Al-Sadd has said that this obsession might make the situation even worse. 

"I don't think the Champions League should be an obsession for Barcelona," Xavi told Spanish outlet Marca in an interview. 

"It should simply be seen as a challenge, a goal, but nothing more than that. If you obsess over something then it actually becomes counterproductive," the former Barcelona man added. 

Xavi was disappointed by the away results but was impressed with how the midfield was lining up with Sergio Busquets, Arthur Melo, and Frenkie de Jong. 

"The match against Valencia we saw an extraordinary level of performance. We recovered the ball with high pressure and everyone worked for the team, it was a very good Barcelona," the Spanish midfielder stated. 

The 39-year old also added that the inclusion of Ansu Fati and Carles Perez was an auspicious sign for the famed La Masia. "The appearance of Ansu Fati and Carles Perez is a good sign for the academy, " he added. 

Barcelona will face Granada on Saturday in their fifth match of the La Liga, where they currently sit fifth with seven points.