Erik ten Hag on Meeting Barcelona in Europa League Round-of-16 Play-off
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said he would have preferred to face Barcelona in the final of the Europa League rather than in the round-of-16 play-off.
Manchester United and FC Barcelona will square off in a two-legged play-off for a place in the round-of-16 of the Europa League. The Red Devils finished second behind Real Sociedad in Group E of the Europa League 22/23 campaign. That meant Manchester United would have to play in the play-off and win the tie to progress to the round-of-16.
The first leg of the knockout round play-off between Manchester United and Barcelona will kick off at 11:15 pm IST on February 16. Camp Nou will host the fixture.
Erik ten Hag also expects the Barcelona vs Manchester United fixture will be a game that is played at the highest level.
“I think Barcelona and [us] as well [would] have preferred to play [this match] in the final. We are looking forward [to it], it [takes] a lot of energy searching for that finish, and it will be a great game. Hopefully, everyone is fit for Barcelona and for us. So, we see a game [that will be played] at the highest level,” Erik ten Hag said.
Erik ten Hag also had words of praise for Barcelona manager Xavi, who he admires as a player. The Manchester United manager said he likes Xavi’s Barcelona and the attacking way they play.
“As a player, I admire [Xavi Hernández]. Barcelona, the way [they] played with him: he was such an important part of the team, you can see that the philosophy he now brings [to the team] is his Barcelona,” Erik ten Hag said.
He added: “I really like his team, the attacking way of play. I think he is [heading] in the right direction. I think it’s going to be a good challenge between Manchester United and Barcelona.”
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