The Barcelona Coach Monday said the draw against Manchester United has handed them yet another ‘tough rival’.
Xavi and his boys dropped to the Europa league after a poor outing at the Champions league group stage, finishing third behind Bayern and Inter Milan respectively.
For United, finishing second behind Real Sociedad due to goal difference has handed one once again their arch rival in the continental show.
“It is the most difficult opponent once again. But we will look forward to it. They are a historic side, they have grown a lot with the arrival of Ten Hag, they have great players. It’s the worst draw we could have got. Once again. No luck” he said in a press conference.
“Yes, it is the toughest rival, once again, in the Europa League. We will have to compete, it’s a massive challenge for us, our players will probably be more motivated against a strong team.”
Barcelona failed to reach the final of the last season’s Europa league after losing to Frankfurt in the quarter-final of the tournament with 3-4 on aggregate.