Barcelona boss Xavi asked if El Clasico makes him 'horny'
Barcelona manager Xavi was asked if the Clasico makes him 'horny' as he prepares to take his side to the Bernabeu to face fierce rivals Real Madrid.
It has not been a great week for Barcelona, with their 2-2 draw with Inter Milan all but seeing them dropped from the Champions League into the Europa League.
Of course it could have been much worse for the Spanish giants, if Kristjan Asllani had made a pass in injury time on Wednesday night, instead of going for a shot.
With Barce putting all their pre season eggs in the basket of advancing in the tournament, getting knocked out, and costing themselves around £18 million, would be a huge knock.
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Now they have their biggest test in the league, as they face fierce rivals Real at the Bernabeu on Sunday, with Carlo Ancelotti's side yet to lose in La Liga.
The two clubs have identical records so far but, as well as going away from home, Xavi's side also have to overcome the Drake curse, with their shirts for the match holding a sponsor from the Canadian artist.
No matter the situation though, the Clasico is always an exciting prospect, even if it sometimes fails to deliver, but not so 'exciting' that it turns the Barcelona manager on.
During his pre match press conference, the former midfielder was asked if the match made him 'cachondo,' Spanish for riled up or 'horny.'
"I don't know if it makes me horny, I don't know if that's the word," the 42-year-old said.
"But I like to play against Real Madrid. I'm competitive. I'd like to still be a footballer to play in these types of matches.
"Like the day against Inter. It's in these games where you stand up and also as a coach. It's spectacular to play a game like this. Motivation is at its highest, it's an opportunity to extend the leader in the competition."
Xavi asked for patience with his plans, despite all but certainly being out of the Champions League, adding, "It's vital for us and for Real Madrid. Let's see who comes out on top. But the project is still under construction.
"The slump in the Champions League annoys us, but we're on the right track.
"We're in a great situation in La Liga. In Europe the outlook isn't good, but the project is under construction and it can't be destroyed now."
Xavi's side drew their opening game of the season against Rayo Vallecano but have since won their next seven games in-a-row.
That run of result puts them level at the top of the table with Ancelotti's team, with both sides on 22 points, going into the Clasico, already five points ahead of third placed Athletic Club.
Barca actually beat their fierce rivals 4-0 in the away game last season, although the 13 times Champions League winners came out on top at the Nou Camp and in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final.
Topics: Real Madrid, El Clasico, Xavi, La Liga, FC Barcelona
Ryan Sidle