Champions League; Xavi: Barca Were Sluggish

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FC Barcelona veteran midfielder, Xavi Hernandez, has admitted the Blaugrana were ‘a bit sluggish’ in their 1-0 Champions League win over Apoel Nicosia.

The Catalan giants were expected to beat the Greek minnows comfortably but were only able to find the next once through a Gerrard Pique header in the first half.

“We were a bit sluggish but we won and that’s the main thing. To start well in the group phase, with three points is always good,” Xavi told reporters after the game.

“We struggled. We tried to move the ball quickly and we didn’t manage that. We dominated, yes. We tried inside and outside but they closed down well.”

The 34-year-old, who started his first Barcelona game under Luis Enrique, insisted he is happy at the club and hailed the new boss for giving youth players a chance.

“I’m happy. When it’s my turn to play I’ll do what I can to be useful, when the coach needs me. I started the season with some niggles but I’m good now,” Xavi added.

“The footballers who are coming in have a lot of talent and we have a coach who puts his faith in youth. Luis Enrique is honest and brave and he doesn’t look at your identity card when he picks the team.”

Barcelona lead Group F with three points ahead of Paris Saint-Germain and AJAX, both with one point, and Apoel find themselves at the bottom with zero points.

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