Manchester United will be traveling to Spain to face Catalan side FC Barcelona in the Europa League round of 32. a match that's anticipated to be mouthwatering as both sides are currently in good form in their various leagues.
Ahead of the Thursday clash between the two legendary clubs, Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona's manager, has taken his time to appreciate Erik Ten Hag's work at Old Trafford and stated he is a reference when it comes to attacking football style of play.
Xavi Hernandez made his Barcelona debut against the Red Devils in 1998 as an 18-year-old. He was in the Barcelona side that was knocked out by Paul Scholes' long-range stunner en route to the 2008 Champions League triumph. The former Catalan midfielder played a part when Barcelona beat Manchester United in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals.
The Barcelona manager has acknowledged Erik Ten Hag's effect on the Red Devils and suggested that the former Ajax manager has changed their "face" as a team.
"Tomorrow is a great match," Xavi said during his press conference. "It's a spectacular tie." Both teams arrived at the best moment of the season."
"Ten Hag has changed the face of the team." It's been hard for them, but they're doing a great job. He is a great coach. Reversing the situation at United was not easy.
"He makes variants in attack and defense; they work very well." He is an attacking coach, and he shows it in almost every game. "He is a reference for coaches who like this kind of football."
"Manchester United is a great club. They are not in the best moment in their history, but there are players who are in a great moment. "In recent weeks, they have had good results, and it will be very hard to win the game," Xavi stated.
Former Leeds United winger Raphinha also agreed with his manager, who claimed Manchester United are one of the best teams in the world. He explained both clubs have undergone transitional periods, which have affected their recent results.
"I think they are two of the best teams in the world," Raphinha said. "Barca had a bad time in recent seasons, and Manchester did too. All clubs go through difficult times, but you have to change your mind to be the best again,"
"For me, Manchester United is one of the best teams in the world." They lived through a bad moment. "They have enormous quality," the former Leeds United player stated.
Xavi Hernandez admitted his side has assessed Erik Ten Hag's squad and style of play; he singled out Marcus Rashford and three more players who are instrumental in their style of play under Erik Ten Hag.
"He (Rashford) is one of the most dangerous forwards in Europe," Xavi acknowledged. "He's fast, he's one-on-one, and we'll have to watch him a lot." "He's one of the best in Europe, without a doubt."
"We have assessed what they are doing." Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, and Wesley Weghorst might be references. "The transitions are very quick," Xavi explained.
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