Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique spoke to reporters on Tuesday ahead of the first leg between the capital club and FC Barcelona on Wednesday at the Parc des Princes.
One of the questions the PSG coach faced was about his time with the Spanish giants. A reporter wanted to know whether Enrique feels that his tenure with the Catalan side represents Barcelona’s DNA rather than Xavi’s.
Rather than responding politically correct and vanilla, Enrique gave a genuine response, noting that his success with Barcelona made the question a non-argument.
“Me, without a doubt,” Enrique told the media (h/t Culture PSG). “This isn’t an opinion, it’s factual, just look at the numbers. Look at the ball possession stats, the goal-scoring opportunities, and the high pressing. Look at the titles, the trophies… There’s no doubt, it’s me. Of course, some may think differently, but I repeat, it’s me (who best represents Barça), without a doubt.”
Enrique might have provided Xavi with added motivation to beat him in this quarterfinal tie. However, it also could speak to the confidence that the Spanish manager has in the team that they secure a result before the scene shifts to Barcelona for the second leg.
Nonetheless, expect the media to ask Xavi a follow-up question about the 53-year-old’s remarks to start a little bit of drama.
