“They play like Eibar” - New PSG documentary highlights what Luis Enrique told players about Barcelona under Xavi
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Luis Enrique compared Xavi's Barcelona team to Eibar ahead of their Champions League tie last season, according to a Spanish documentary. Enrique, who previously achieved great success at the hot seat at Camp Nou, was apparently unimpressed by the team's long-ball tactics.
Xavi took charge of Barcelona in November 2021 and won the La Liga title in the 2022/23 campaign. Last season, he came up against his former manager Enrique in the Champions League.
The Catalans secured a 3-2 away win over PSG in the first leg, but succumbed to a 4-1 defeat at home in the second leg. The Spanish giants subsequently bowed out of the tournament.
Speaking in the documentary ahead of the tie, as cited by ESPN, Enrique pointed out that Barcelona were no longer dominating games under Xavi.
"Barça aren't guaranteed to [dominate games], they haven't in two seasons with Xavi. They aren't a dominant team and they are not a good team defensively, either. They defend with bodies but they don't have quality in defense," said Enrique.
He continued:
"It's a lie to say Barça were better, that's completely false. They played long balls. [Goalkeeper Marc-André] ter Stegen broke the record for long passes -- I think it was 24. They play like Eibar. It was all long balls. Call it the third man if you're a fan of Xaxi."
After Xavi wanted to step down as the coach, he changed his mind and reversed the decision. He was eventually sacked at the end of last season.
Has Barcelona's decision to sack Xavi been vindicated?
Barcelona roped in Hansi Flick as Xavi's replacement following the latter's departure at the end of last campaign. The former Bayern Munich manager arrived at Camp Nou with an enviable CV, especially from his time with the Bavarians.
Flick spent one and a half season at the Allianz Arena, picking up seven trophies. He won 70 of his 86 games in charge, registering a 81.40% win ratio.
The Catalans failed to get most of their transfer targets this summer, owing to their poor financial situation. Flick only managed to add Dani Olmo to his roster, but already has his team firing on all cylinders.
The La Liga giants have won seven of their eight games this season, with their solitary defeat coming in the Champions League against Monaco. Flick's team has scored 23 goals in the league, conceding just five.
Barcelona are one just one win away from registering their best start to a La Liga season. As such, the club's decision to part ways with Xavi may have paid off.