Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has taken shots at Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez, stating that his style of play represents the Blaugrana’s philosophy better than what they are currently playing under his compatriot.
Check Out: Tuchel Blasts Ref Over 'Kid's Mistake
The Gijon-born tactician's first association with Barca came in 1996, when he signed for the Catalan giants.
He would spend eight years at the Camp Nou before calling time on his career in 2004.
A decade after retiring, he returned to the club, this time as a manager, and in his first season as boss he won the treble with Xavi as his captain.
Now, they are preparing to face off in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals as adversaries, and although it has been seven years since he left the Spanish club, Enrique believes that even in Paris, his style of play embodies more aspects of Barca's way of playing than what his former teammate is currently implementing.
"Without any doubt, I do," he told members of the media when quizzed on who better represents the Blaugrana philosophy, as per ESPN.
"Look at the data: ball possession, goalscoring 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.
"I don't know Xavi at all as a coach. I only know him as a player. I know the club very well, but not Xavi the coach.
Check Out: The Impending End To Guardiola’s Reign
"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."
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH VIDEO:
