Luis Enrique says he embodies Barcelona style more than Xavi
Paris Saint Germain coach Luis Enrique said he embodies the Barcelona style of football better than counterpart Xavi Hernández.
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Enrique embodies Barcelona style
Enrique, 53, spent eight years at Barca as a player and another three as manager.
According to Enrique, he says he represents the Blaugrana’s philosophy better than the current Barca manager Xavi.
“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,” he said.
Xavi’s side secured a 3-2 first leg victory over PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday at Parc de Princes.
Enrique played alongside Xavi at Barca before coaching him.
“I don’t know Xavi at all as a coach,” Luis Enrique said.
“I only know him as a player. 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.”
Enrique to lead PSG to its first Champions League trophy
Enrique hopes to lead PSG to its first Champions League title. He previously steered Barcelona to a championship in 2015.
“The club means a lot to me emotionally because of the experiences I had there, but I am also a professional and I have to think about my job and my team,” he said.”
“It will be special for me, but I am more than ready to give my all for PSG. I am looking forward to the tie and believe I’m capable of bringing trophies to this club.”
PSG will visit Barcelona in Spain on Tuesday.