Barcelona defender Jordi Alba recently spoke to Marca about the different coaches he has worked under at the Catalan club. He described his past managers such as Luis Enrique as a leader, Ernesto Valverde as tactically knowledgeable and calm man, Quique Setién as someone who likes to keep the ball, Ronald Koeman as a great coach and a club legend, and Xavi as a methodic manager.
“Luis Enrique is a leader who represents the group. [Ernesto] Valverde embodied serenity, he’s a very calm man and tactically knowledgeable; Quique Setién is a person who likes to keep the ball and has a very good idea of the game. [Ronald] Koeman is a great coach and a club legend, and then there’s Xavi who is a very methodic manager.”
Jordi Alba
When asked about Xavi, Jordi Alba said that while it is not the same being teammates and being in a professional relationship, their friendship is still good.
“Well, it’s not the same being your manager as being your team-mate, but the friendship is still there. At the same time, it is clear that the situation changes when you’re team-mates and when you’re in a professional relationship, but our relationship is still good.”
Jordi Alba
Alba has had a career frequently marked with success and trophies. Since Lionel Messi’s departure from the club, Barcelona have struggled to get their hands on Silverware. When asked about the perspective of winning, he said that while winning may seem normal, it really isn’t. When you stop winning, you realize how difficult it is and how much effort is needed to win a title.
“While it may seem like it is normal, it really isn’t. When you stop winning, you realise how difficult it is and how much effort is needed to win a title. When you win a lot, you forget to give real value to the task of winning a Champions League, league title, or Copa del Rey.”
Jordi Alba
Currently, Barcelona are on top of the La Liga table, eight points clear of Real Madrid. However, Alba believes that there is still a long way to go in the season and that Real Madrid will put pressure on until the final matchday. Winning the title is in Barcelona’s hands, but they cannot afford to relax. Barcelona have already secured one trophy this season and would be hoping to increase their trophy cabinet with more prestigious awards.
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