Former Barcelona forward talks Xavi, Yamal, Messi, De Zerbi, Luis Enrique, Napoli clash

FC Barcelona are currently in Italy as they gear up to take on Napoli in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg tie tomorrow at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Ahead of the crucial match, Gerard Romero spoke to a former Barça forward who currently plies his trade in Italy and is aware of what challenges when they face Napoli – Gerard Deulofeu.

The Udinese forward, who came through La Masia, discussed how things have changed for Napoli this season and tipped his former club to be the favourites, saying:

“Napoli have changed a lot this year. In Serie A a lot of teams are hurting them. They don’t have the same structure. I think Barça are favourites.”

At the same time, Deulofeu pointed out that the likes of Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia pose a major threat to Barcelona.

“At the top, they have two planes: Oshimen and Kvaratskhelia. There is also Politano, who I like. If you dominate the game you eliminate the top three,” he remarked.

“Tomorrow Barça have to take a step forward no matter what.”

Deulofeu also lavished praise on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, although he insisted that the 16-year-old must be looked after and that he should not be asked to become the next Lionel Messi.

“I see Lamine and I can’t believe that a 16-year-old boy can do what he does. He really needs to be looked after. He has to be kept on his feet,” Deulofeu remarked.

“Don’t ask him to be Leo Messi, let’s take care of a boy who was born with a gift.”

Deulofeu also expressed his surprise regarding manager Xavi Hernandez’s decision to step down as manager at the end of the season, saying:

“I was surprised when Xavi announced he was leaving at the end of the season but I understand him. If you don’t play well in one or two games you hear the rumble. You have to appreciate the level of demand he puts on himself.”

Elaborating on why Xavi decided to step away, Deulofeu opined: “Xavi aims to win at least one title a season and, as he doesn’t think he’s going to achieve it, he steps aside.”

“It’s a shocker. He loves Barça very much and is very demanding. He’s a real champion.”

On possible replacements for Xavi at Barcelona, Deulofeu pointed out two names in Roberto De Zerbi and Luis Enrique, saying:

“Xavi’s replacement? De Zerbi’s Sassuolo was already playing very well. The level of demand with Luís Enrique… he would fight for everything if he returned to Barça. But that is complicated.”