Xavi: The objective is to finish in the top four

Xavi Hernandez has been abundantly clear with what the aims are for his Barcelona team this season, and the main one is to finish inside the top four and qualify for next season's Champions League.

Having been eliminated from the competition at the group stage this year, Los Cules have two possible routes back to European football's top table, the first being to finish inside the top four in LaLiga Santander, and the second being to win the Europa League.

"The main objective is to be in the top four and to win titles," Xavi explained in his pre-match press conference.

"Nothing can be ruled out, we are a long way behind the leader but I have great confidence in the squad.

"The results aren't coming but I am confident, the feelings are better and positive, even if the results aren't, tomorrow is another huge test."

Barcelona continue to be linked with various goalscorers who will revolutionise their stuttering front-line, yet the former Al-Sadd coach refused to be drawn on stories regarding Erling Haaland.

"At the moment we have a difficult economic situation," Xavi added.

"We have to be realistic and think that it will not be easy to strengthen the team, there is a problem with the salary limits. We will see what happens, I don't know anything about Haaland, everyone would be interested."

Xavi then discussed the drawbacks of the January market, suggesting that it was very difficult to plan a coherent recruitment strategy for it.

"The pity is that I had to come in the middle of the season with the team and planning done," Xavi continued.

"It's been little over a month and some things have to change, not only players but also the dynamics, positional play and defending.

"It takes time and it's a pity that there wasn't a pre-season, we need to strengthen the team, that is clear."

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