Barcelona coach, Xavi Hernandez says he wishes he was still playing for Barcelona ahead of the huge El Clasico match against Real Madrid on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Xavi’s men will hope to continue their Laliga run against Carlo Ancelotti’s men, Barcelona have won seven consecutive LaLiga matches and sit top of the table on 22 points.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference, Xavi was asked by a reporter if the fixture made him “cachondo” – a Spanish word which translates into English as “horny”, or “riled up”.

“I don’t know if it makes me horny, I don’t know if that’s the word,” he replied. “But I like to play against Real Madrid. I’m competitive. I’d like to still be a footballer to play in these types of matches.

“Like the day against Inter. It’s in these games where you stand up and also as a coach. It’s spectacular to play a game like this. Motivation is at its highest, it’s an opportunity to extend the leader in the competition.”

Xavi also emphasised the fact that his “project” with Barca was far from complete and pleaded with the fans for patience. “It’s three points, but it’s the morale and the confidence to win a Clásico,” he added.

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