Speaking in a news conference ahead of Sunday’s clash with Rayo Vallecano, Barcelona manager Xavi discussed Lionel Messi and Manchester United.
“It’s our reality. This is the post-[Lionel] Messi era, that’s difficult in itself.
“He used to win games on his own. We have to be patient. I’m excited to win trophies, but we have to strengthen. We have to be realistic.
“We’re in the first year of the post-Messi era, we have to be patient. We’ve seen a lot of great teams, like at Manchester United, [where] it’s been hard for them to come back, to qualify for the Champions League.
“Barça can’t allow that. We have to fight for trophies, we want to compete.”
