Xavi knew that Manchester City players have outstanding qualities, so Barcelona recruited some of them. Gundogan and cancelo have become parts of barcelona right now. Xavi knew that if he must be improving the team a lot to compete at the top competition in the european continent.
This is also the reason why xavi was also strengthening its attacking line even though the club was still in the financial trouble at this moment. Barcelona was losing in the group stage last season.
Xavi is just trying to make sure barcelona will not repeat the same mistake again for the second time. Despite doing better in La Liga than Real Madrid, Barcelona always exits UCL earlier. Xavi is just trying to find the main problem that barcelona had horrible performance in UCL.
Playing UCL is very important for barcelona caused by it will be also helping the club financially due to the big reward offered by playing in UCL.
this season Xavi should be lucky enough not to be in the hell group. I think getting through the group phase is quite easy for Barca, they are the favorites to qualify. especially with the player material that Xavi has in the current Barca squad. of course, even City should consider Barca. unlike last season, Xavi failed, but they won't repeat that this season.
Xavi has prepared everything well, as well as his request to the club to bring in several important players at this time. I think those who have just been brought in by Barca will help the team in the Champions League.