Tensions flared between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain even before the first whistle of their Champions League quarter-final clash. Now, former Barca manager Ronald Koeman has reignited the firestorm with scathing criticism of comments made by PSG boss Luis Enrique.
Enrique Claims Barca Legacy
In the pre-match press conference, Enrique, a former Barcelona manager who led them to their last Champions League title in 2015, made a bold statement. When asked who better represents Barca’s playing style – himself or current manager Xavi, his captain during the treble-winning year – Enrique declared, “Without a doubt, me.” He went on to cite possession statistics, titles won, and high-pressing tactics as evidence to support his claim.
Xavi Responds Diplomatically
Xavi, when questioned about Enrique’s remarks, opted for a diplomatic approach. He acknowledged their long-standing friendship and Enrique’s coaching prowess, while refusing to be drawn into a debate over playing style.
Koeman Takes Aim at Enrique
However, Koeman, who was sacked by Barcelona in October 2021 and replaced by Xavi, was far less forgiving. He questioned the timing and appropriateness of Enrique’s comments, suggesting there may be underlying animosity between the two coaches. “I saw the images…they seemed very good friends,” Koeman remarked sarcastically. “But a day before, I also saw Luis Enrique making some out of place statements.”
Koeman Defines Barca DNA
Koeman further challenged Enrique’s definition of Barca’s “DNA.” For him, the essence of Barcelona football goes beyond tactics and statistics. “The DNA is represented by three people at Barca,” he declared. “Number one is Johan Cruyff. Number two is Pep Guardiola, with whom the club played the best football in its history. And another one is missing, which is Lionel Messi. If you have Messi, you don’t need DNA…”
Koeman Takes Swipe at Laporta
Koeman‘s comments also hinted at lingering bitterness towards president Joan Laporta, who dismissed him from the Camp Nou hotseat. He suggested that Laporta may have learned a lesson from his handling of his tenure, contrasting it with the current support given to Xavi.
Uncertain Future for Barca Coach
Koeman’s concluding remarks added another layer of intrigue. He implied that Xavi’s future as manager could be uncertain, stating, “Now the coach will have to change because of [Xavi’s] decision [to resign]. [So] who the new coach is, is very important.” Whether this is mere speculation or based on inside knowledge remains unclear.
Lingering Tensions
Koeman’s intervention adds a new dimension to the ongoing rivalry between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. With the second leg of the Champions League tie still to come, and the question of Xavi’s future hanging in the air, the drama surrounding both clubs is far from over.
