LaLiga: Barcelona coach Xavi recognises huge Osasuna test

Barcelona coach Xavi recognises they face a huge test against Osasuna.

The Blaugrana are hosting Jagoba Arrasate’s side at the Camp Nou ahead of the return leg against the Turkish side which is scheduled to take place on Thursday.

“I don’t make calculations,” Xavi told the press conference.

“We already dropped points [away at] El Sadar. I don’t think beyond that. I don’t think about Galatasaray.

“We have different solutions to the circumstances. We were also very good at Elche and they played a low block. Things have to be changed in relation to Galatasaray, but their goalkeeper [Inaki Pena] was exceptional. We have solutions if they sit back.

“It’s a low-middle block issue, they defend well. But we have to maintain the intensity, they can’t beat us in intensity. We can’t lower it.”

Xavi went on to praise Arrasate’s work at Osasuna and warned that Barcelona will struggle to penetrate their defence.

“Osasuna are a team that adapt to different formations, defending with either five or four [at the back], pressing, waiting, attacking from the wing, they have a lot of resources,” added Xavi.

“It will be a difficult game because they are an intense and aggressive team and they don’t concede goals easily. Jagoba is doing an extraordinary job. It will cost us. They come with confidence after beating Villareal.”