Tuesday, 17 April 2012

Xavi Issues Chelsea Warning


Xavi has warned Chelsea that Barcelona have worked hard to reach their current level and are not prepared to stop now.

Barca have enjoyed phenomenal success under Pep Guardiola in recent years, establishing themselves as the top side in Spain and Europe.

They have been described as one of the greatest teams in history after also lifting the FIFA Club World Cup in 2009 and 2011, and Xavi believes the praise they are receiving is fully deserved.

But the midfielder is now looking to press on and claim more silverware, ahead of Barcelona's UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

"We're enjoying the title of best team in the world, which is not a label we put on ourselves but it is a level we have reached on the pitch," said Xavi.

"Every Barcelona fan knows what it took for us to get here.

"Years without titles, with great efforts but without reward."

Barcelona are attempting to make history this season by becoming the first team to retain the Champions League, having beaten Manchester United at Wembley in last season's final.

Xavi continued: "We can't stop. We don't want to stop, neither the players nor the people that support us.

"We are enjoying a golden era with exquisite football and spectacular victories, achieving feats that had never been reached, like winning two Club World Cups."

Writing in a special introduction to the book Barca Emociones, the 32-year-old added: "Behind all this there is a united dressing room, made up of people who grew up in this club and feel it is their home.

"We feel the colours of this club more than anyone and we live the dream of our lives, with a group of enthusiastic coaches preparing us so that we always give the best of ourselves.

"There's talent, strength, commitment, dedication, enthusiasm and pride."