Xavi: 'We want to be in the Champions League'

Barcelona boss Xavi has conceded that his side are frustrated not to be in the Champions League, as they prepare for their first ever Europa League fixture this week.

Having failed to progress through the group stage of the Champions League for the first time in 17 years, the Catalan giants are currently competing in the Europa League.

Napoli will visit Camp Nou on Thursday evening for the first leg of their knockout round playoff contest, with both sides used to playing in Europe's leading competition.

Xavi has admitted that Barcelona are "angered" not to be a part of the Champions League knockout round, but the Spaniard is determined to enjoy success in Europe this term.

"Let's not fool ourselves," AS quotes Xavi as saying at his pre-match press conference. "We'd like to be in the Champions League and we're angered that we're not, but we're in the Europa League.

"It's an opportunity and if we win it we'll qualify for the Champions League. I see it as an opportunity. Two seasons ago Barcelona played Napoli in the Champions League. We're motivated for this game."

Barcelona, who lost to Paris Saint-Germain in last season's Champions League round of 16, last played in the UEFA Cup in 2003-04, reaching the fourth round before losing to Celtic.