Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez believes that Napoli has undergone significant changes since their first-leg encounter ahead of the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 at the Lluis Companys Stadium in Barcelona, early Wednesday morning WIB.
Quoted from Football Espana on Monday, Xavi believes that Napoli has shown continuous improvement since being led by Francesco Calzona.
"Napoli has evolved under the new coach, more dynamic and comfortable. Losing some players is important for us, but we have to compete. We have been better there, and we have to be better here," Xavi said.
"I expect Napoli to play boldly from the back and apply high pressure, not speculating, with high individual quality. Three players in the front line have a lot of quality. This is a big game and they are a great team, the current champions of Italy," he emphasized.
In the first meeting, Napoli had just appointed Francesco Calzona as head coach, replacing Walter Mazzarri just 48 hours before kick-off against Barcelona.
Regarding the players that catch his attention the most, Xavi considers midfielder Stanislav Lobotka as a potential threat to Blaugrana.
Apart from Lobotka, the Spanish coach also pays attention to Napoli's attacking line, which he believes possesses sharpness and quality players such as Matteo Politano, Victor Osimhen, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
"Among the Napoli players, I like those in the front line. They are at the top level in Europe like Politano, Osimhen, and Kvara. And also their defensive style," Xavi said.
"It's difficult. In my opinion, Lobotka, I really like him, the way he builds attacks from the back and doesn't lose the ball. I would like to see him at a club like Barca; I think he has the quality to play at a club like Barcelona. I think he can make a difference for Napoli," he concluded.
In the upcoming second leg, Barcelona needs to secure a victory by any scoreline against Napoli to ensure their passage to the Champions League quarter-finals after drawing 1-1 in Naples.