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Nigerian Napoli striker Victor Osimhen
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandezhas admitted thattonightsChampions League last 16 tie against Napoliat the Stadio Maradona could betricky with the Italians now under new management even as he pickedNigerias international striker Victor Osimhen as one of the players his side must pay attention to.
Napoli sacked Walter Mazzarri and brought in Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona on Monday, 48 hours before they host Barcelona.
Napoli changed their coach in a surprising way, they have their reasons, but its not an easy match to prepare for, as we dont know what to expect, Xavi told the eve-of-match press conference.
He added: The new manager knows the team well. I have no idea what tactical system hes going to use.
Whats important is to focus on our style of play and what we want to do, on our ambitions which are to reach the quarter-finals.
What is certain is that we will have to defend well up against their very strong attacking trio.
(Victor) Osimhen, (Khvicha) Kvaratskhelia and (Matteo) Politano can turn a game, he added.
Incidentally, Calzonaonly took chargeofhis first training sessionyesterdaywith Osimhenand his Partenopei teammates available attheir Castel Volturno.
January signing Cyril Ngonge was the only player reportedlyunable to take part in full training with the rest of the first team squad.
According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Ngonge trained individually on precautionary grounds, as he had been on the receiving end of a tough tackle during Mondays session.
Yet irrespectiveof situation of things at Napoli, Xavi denied his side were favourites going into the tie.
Its 50-50, well see tomorrow who is favourite at the end of the game, added Xavi who has announced he is stepping down as Barca boss at the end of the season.
It doesnt change anything for me nor for my team. Im motivated, and want to pass that motivation onto the team.
When you are a player or manager at Barcelona the pressure is always the same and its very strong.
Barcelona, five time title-holders, failed to make it out of the group stage of the Champions League in the past two seasons, and were knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 in 2021. (The Nation)
