Xavi Backs Barcelona's Tearful Star After 1-1 Draw: 'He'll Give Me Lot Of Joy'

Xavi Hernandez backed Ferran Torres who was in tears after he missed some big chances in FC Barcelona's 1-1 draw with Napoli in the Europa League on Thursday.

Napoli went 1-0 up in 29 minutes in the Europa League last-32 first-leg tie at Camp Nou. Torres netted the crucial equalizer from the penalty spot a few minutes into the second half.

The 21-year-old forward, who moved from Manchester City to Barcelona in January, was left in tears and frustrated as he failed to earn three points for his side despite having so many fine chances in front of the goal against Napoli.

In a post-match interview, Barcelona boss Xavi said he has full trust in the Spanish forward.

"It happened to Luis Suarez, who seemed to have no goals. The Barca shirt weighs a few kilos more. But I am delighted to have him on the team and he will give me a lot of joy. If he is in the penalty area it is because he will score. He has scored goals all his life and he will have them. In training, he is one of those who score the most. He has our absolute trust. The coaching staff and I will take care of this. He is very strong, self-demanding," Xavi said, according to Goal.

An academy product of Valencia FC, Torres moved to Manchester City after playing three seasons with the La Liga club. The Spaniard played for the Etihad side for one and a half seasons, where he scored 16 goals in 43 competitive matches. He was a part of the Pep Guardiola side that won the Premier League, League Cup and finished runners-up in the Champions League during the 2020-21 campaign.

After Sergio Aguero's cardiac arrhythmia was diagnosed, Barcelona decided to sign Torres, who also wanted to return to La Liga. The young forward received the No. 19 shirt, which was previously worn by Aguero.

Torres made his Barcelona debut in a high-profile clash with arch-rivals Real Madrid in the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup. Unfortunately, the Catalans lost the game 3-2 at home.

The former Valencia striker's La Liga debut with Barcelona came in an away fixture against Alaves, where he assisted the only goal scored in the game. Torres scored his first goal for Barcelona in a 3–2 loss against Athletic Bilbao at the end of extra time in the Copa del Rey Round of 16.

However, Torres' second goal for the club has turned out to be crucial as they travel to Napoli for the second leg, which is scheduled to be played on Feb. 24.

Even former Barcelona skipper Carles Puyol showed his support for Torres on social media Thursday. "[Ferran Torres] will give us a lot of joy," Puyol tweeted.