Xavi focused for Reds clash

Xavi has told skysports.com that he will have nothing to prove against Liverpool.

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has told skysports.com that he will have nothing to prove against Liverpool on Wednesday.

The Spain international is preparing for his team's eagerly-awaited UEFA Champions League clash against The Reds, with the midfielder having already been the subject of reported English overtures.

Manchester United have been credited with an interest in Xavi, who could increase his stock still further with an impressive performance on Wednesday.

However he claims his chief motivation is to deliver success for Barca.

"I do not need to prove anything when I play against an English team," Xavi said. "The are still rumours about Manchester United's interest but I am not concerned by those stories.

Xavi admits a move to England could appeal in the future.

"I am still young and do not want to discard any option. I am happy at Barca but if at any time I was to leave I would have to consider the Premier League."

Xavi is confident the tie will have swung in Barca's favour after Wednesday's first leg.

"To beat Liverpool Liverpool we need to play with intelligence. We cannot become involved in a battle because that will suit the English team," said Xavi.

"The key to the first match will be to stop the creation in midfield. Players like Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso are dangerous at any moment.

"If the midfield does not function, then the team's attack is not effective.

"We cannot call ourselves favourites. At the moment it is 50-50 but after Wednesday we hope to have changed that to 80-20."