PSG Boss Takes Shot At Xavi Ahead of Champions League Clash
PSG manager and former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique took a shot at current Barcelona manager Xavi during a pre-game news conference ahead of the two club’s Champions League quarterfinal matchup on Wednesday.
The 53-year-old Spaniard spent eight seasons at Barcelona as a player and three as a manager, including the club’s treble-winning season in 2015. This will be the first time that Enrique has managed against his former club since leaving Barcelona in 2017.
When asked about whether he or Xavi does a better job of representing Barcelona’s identity, which includes a focus on possession and pressing, Enrique did not hold back.
“Without any doubt, I do,” he said. “Look at the data: ball possession, goal-scoring chances created, the high press, trophies. Look at it. It’s not an opinion. The numbers and figures are there. It’s not debatable. Others may think differently, but there are no doubts.”
The two managers both played together at Barcelona and Enrique later managed Xavi for a season. However, Enrique claims that this is unlikely to give PSG an advantage against his former club, even though he believes he does a better job playing the “Barca way.”
“I don’t know Xavi at all as a coach. I only know him as a player,” Enrique said. “I know the club very well, but not Xavi the coach. I know Barcelona really well and I know the players, but I don’t know if that could be an advantage or not. It could be the opposite.”
PSG is looking to win its first Champions League title in a year that has been marred by constant drama revolving around its superstar Kylian Mbappé. Xavi, meanwhile, will be looking to lead Barcelona to its sixth Champions League title before leaving the club this summer.
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