Xavi Hernandez said he felt uncomfortable before the bus arrived at Camp Nou ahead of their game against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Thousands of German fans were able to secure tickets for Thursday’s tournament in Catalonia and settled in large sections of the stands, making it seem as if the guests were playing at home.
“As I was leaving the hotel, I realized something was wrong,” Xavi told a news conference.
“They threw everything at us, you feel like you’re being robbed at home, it’s like we’re playing at home.
“It all started badly. Then came the penalty. It was a night of disaster in every way. It started badly.
“It’s very difficult, they took us out of the Europa League. We were hoping to win it and go straight into the Champions League [group stage] and we didn’t win. It’s sad.”
It has been speculated that Barcelona could include playing attractive football and winning trophies, but Xavi is adamant that the club’s philosophy will not change.
“With this style, we have won five Champions League titles,” he added.
“Johan Cruyff presents it. It bears fruit and results. We have to improve, but not fool. We have to believe, fix and improve. We will not change our DNA by losing a game or a trophy.”
Barcelona will face Cadiz at home on Monday, with Xavi making it clear that his team needs to improve a few aspects of their game.
“She is progressing well,” says Xavi.
“You have to improve and not be easily accessible, we have to improve in the first minutes of the game.
“We wanted to win the title, we are still fighting for the league. We are here [in the race] despite the heat. I am proud of the way they fought on Thursday, but we did not play well.. I showed them our mistakes.”
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