Xavi: "We won't play the victim. Barcelona are Barcelona"

"We respect everyone's opinion, but we don't share it. We have made it to six semi-finals in a row and we are exactly where we wanted to be."

Xavi has dismissed the suggestion that Barcelona go into their Champions League semi-final tie with Bayern Munich as the less fancied side.
Speaking at a press conference the day before the first leg of the tie at the Allianz Arena, the midfielder said:
"We won't play the victims,Barcelona are Barcelona, we have dominated in Europe for many years, we will try and be protagonists in the tie."
Are Bayern the favourites?"We respect everyone's opinion, but we don't share it. We have made it to six semi-finals in a row and we are exactly where we wanted to be. I am very excited to be here and wer'e facing the game with every ounce of enthusiasm, whilst knowing that Bayern are in spectacular form at the moment and have great players. But we also have our own weapons and we will try to impose our philosophy on the game."
Messi:"Being able to have the best player in the world with us is fundamental. He makes the difference in every game he plays and he will be raring to go after being away for two weeks. I'm sure we're going to see him at his best, these types of games really motivate him and he will demonstrate again how good he is."
Tactics against Bayern:"Nothing unusual. We'll try to dominate the player, impose our style against a strong opponent, both physically and technically. They will try to take the ball us off and that's where the game will be won and lost - by having the ball and ieveryone imposing their personality on the game. That's what we need to try and do."
Role in the tie: "We won't play the victims. I think the tie is finely balanced, 50/50. Bayern are an outstanding team and they have got here with much less bother than us. But Barcelona are Barcelona, we have dominated in Europe for many years. We will try and be protagonists in the tie."
Injury concerns:"Bartra is well prepared."