Manchester United's manager Erik Ten Hag has acknowledged that Xavi Hernandez has set Barcelona on the right path and that his imprint is all over the club.
The Red Devils are set to face the Catalans on their home turf at the Spotify Nou Camp stadium, and Erik Ten Hag is relishing the challenge.
FC Barcelona have conceded just seven times in La Liga, topping the Spanish table with an eleven-point gap ahead of second-place Real Madrid, and they haven't lost a game yet since their 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League last year in October.
Man United's manager Erik Ten Hag believes Barcelona are making positive strides under Xavi Hernandez's management; he stated that the Catalans are playing in the style of the former midfielder. The 53-year-old also shared his admiration for the Spaniard's playing career and asserted that Barcelona's playing style is Xavi Hernandez's imprint and philosophy.
"As a player, I admired him," Ten Hag told UEFA in an interview ahead of Thursday’s first leg at the Nou Camp.
"That Barcelona team when he played, he was an important part of it, and you can see that philosophy he brings to Barcelona now."
"I really like his team, the way of attacking, and the attacking style of play." He’s doing really well, and I think he's going in the right direction.
"It’s going to be a really good challenge between Manchester United and Barcelona."
"It’s a big challenge." "I think both teams like to play each other, and it’s a big challenge," Erik added prior to Thursday’s first leg.
"We will be prepared, we are looking forward to it, it gives [us] a lot of energy, and it will be a great game."
The former Ajax boss was asked if he felt the tie should have been a Champions League final game from some time ago.
"I think it's good," Ten Hag replied. "Both clubs are in the Europa League, and I think both clubs have the ambition to be in the Champions League."
"Not to just be in the Champions League, but they want to really [have an] impact in the Champions League, going beyond the group stage, after the winter, going into the semi-finals and final, and winning it."
"The reality is we're in the Europa League, which tells you both clubs needed a reset." I think we're both headed in the right direction, so I think it's exciting to face each other tomorrow night. It will help both clubs to know where you are. It's a good test. "You get challenged by such tests, and you get better," Ten Hag explained.
The manager is however positive ahead of the tie with the Spanish side; the Dutch recorded successes with FC Ajax against Spanish teams, and he is looking forward to another memorable tie against Barcelona.
"I like it, and I was here before in Spain for Real Madrid and Valencia," he added at his press conference at the Nou Camp.
"But I think it is great to face Barcelona." I like the philosophy of this club, and that is the football that brings up so many good players and big teams. "We are really looking forward to facing them."
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