Messi will be key against Chelsea: Xavi

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posted on 15 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Barcelona face Chelsea at Camp Nou in Champions League semi-final.

New Delhi: Xavi believes that Lionel Messi will be key for Barcelona against Chelsea this week and that it is very important for the Catalans not to concede any goals.

The two sides meet at the Camp Nou in the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final tie and both teams will be looking to get the advantage heading to Stamford Bridge.

Xavi told the press today that he doesn't think Chelsea have changed much under their new coach, but that he knows it will be tough.

"The players are the same under both [Jose] Mourinho and [Guus] Hiddink. They bring together strength and quality, the games against them are always hard and we have been through a lot in recent matches. We cannot let our guard down. We are hoping to repeat how we did against Bayern [Munich] and put them under pressure. It is very important not to concede," AS quotes him as saying.

"Messi does not have any pressure, he goes out onto the pitch to enjoy himself and, for me, he is the best player in the world as he can change games at any time. He will be key against Chelsea. A footballer who wins the Balon d'Or or FIFA World Player Of The Year has to win titles like the Champions League."

Certainly Barcelona do have some standout players in their side but, as Xavi admitted, Chelsea have a good team too.

"They have important absences and we want to make Chelsea feel them, but they have [Michael] Essien, a top player with a lot of power and aggression who is one of the best battlers in the world. They also have [John] Terry, although he is not going to defend on his own," he explained.

Inevitably, Xavi was also asked today about the upcoming clash with Real Madrid and their four point lead in the league.

The experienced midfielder sent out a message of calm, saying that they are taking it day by day more than ever.

"It surprises me that people are saying they have won the league when we have a four point advantage. First, we have to think about the Champions League and even after the game at the Bernabeu there will be four games left and that will be when the league is decided," he mused.

"They are not giving up but we continue to be very motivated. Now, more than ever, we know that we have to go day by day."

With regards to how Barcelona will play in the Bernabeu, Xavi left no doubts that they will go there to attack.

"We do not understand going there to try and draw. We always go out to win and even more so with this coach, who asks us to attack since the first minute. Now, the idea is to have a good game against Chelsea and to get through the round. That is what is important and, clearly, a good result would relax us heading into the game on Saturday," he concluded.