Xavi Hernandez: Barcelona playing best football since I've been coach

Xavi Hernandez was delighted with his Barcelona's 5-0 win over Royal Antwerp in the Champions League group stage opener.

Barça's second clean sheet in a row, following Saturday's 5-0 win over Real Betis in La Liga, saw the Blaugrana coach say the last two games have seen "the highest level of the team since I've been the coach."

Xavi highlighted the good harmony that his players showed on the pitch: "I'm very pleased with the result, but especially with the way we're playing, with the way we're understanding the game.

"Some players have come in who have improved the team, but it's wonderful to see how we interpret the game and how we press up front. It's a source of pride to see the team."

Xavi insisted on the improvement shown by Barça compared to last season: "Last year we were lacking in attacking play positionally and this season we are doing well."

However, the Barça coach warned that the difficult thing is to keep it up, referring to Joao Félix's earlier words: "He's right. The key is to maintain the level of play, the concentration and the hunger to win."

The Blaugrana boss also referred to the contribution of three of the new signings, Gündogan, Joao Cancelo and Joao Félix: "We don't have to say anything to Gündogan and Cancelo because they have had a coach who also plays like us, so everything is easier.

"It's wonderful to see Gündogan play. Joan Cancelo also improves the squad. And Joao Felix. The most important thing is that they are enjoying it."

Xavi revealed the conversation he had with Antwerp coach Mark van Bommel, who, in the middle of the Blaugrana display, approached the Barça technical area to whisper something to him: "He said something like 'great team' and I replied that we are indeed doing well."