Xavi: Pep and Enrique similar
Xavi Hernandez has noted similarities between former Barcelona Coach Pep Guardiola and incumbent trainer Luis Enrique.
Guardiola led the Catalans to an unprecedented period of glory between 2008 and 2011, before leaving the club at the end of the 2011-12 season, while Enrique has begun to find his feet at Camp Nou after a difficult start to his tenure.
“I’ve been fortunate to be at the best club in the world. Being in the first team for 17 years and at the club for almost 25 gives me maximum pride,” the veteran midfielder told Barca TV.
“The feeling of being at Barcelona is for me a feeling of happiness. Now I’m the captain and oldest player and I’m enjoying it immensely.
“When I play, I have fun and try to keep the squad running smoothly. That’s the main thing.
“I’m very happy to have stayed this year. I’m very happy about being able to still play games here and remaining both relevant and competitive.
“I think it’d be wrong to change Barcelona’s style. The style, design and DNA of Barca can’t be lost, and I think this year we’ve got it back.
“Pep was instinctive on the pitch, but so was Luis. Now, as a Coach, [Luis] is more controlled, but it’s normal.
“Competing on the pitch isn’t the same to controlling everything from the outside, but yes, both of them like to impose their character and style [on the players].”
