Xavi believes Barcelona’s DNA is widespread in the Champions League quarter finals with four managers, including Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola, showcasing the Spanish club’s philosophy.
Barcelona are away to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie on Wednesday evening.
And ahead of the match, Luis Enrique raised eyebrows by claiming that he offers a closer match to Barcelona’s playing style than Xavi.
Asked if he or Xavi better represents Barcelona’s philosophy, Luis Enrique said: ‘Without any doubt, I do.
‘Look at the data… ball possession, goal scoring chances created, the high press, trophies. Look at it. It’s not an opinion. The numbers and figures are there. It’s not debatable. Others may think differently, but there are no doubts.’
When asked about Luis Enrique’s claim later on Tuesday, Xavi replied: ‘I have a great relationship with him.
‘He has a team built to win the Champions League, we are facing a very difficult opponent and we are both looking for a similar style.
‘We can boast the Barca DNA – Luis Enrique, Pep or Arteta. Tomorrow we’ll be looking for the same thing, from here on it’s up to the players to find the DNA that identifies us.
‘Arteta, Pep and myself have been created with this DNA. We are talking about a new batch of coaches who were midfielders and I think the Barca philosophy is key. I think it’s an advantage.
‘There are four managers in this stage of the Champions League that represent the Barca DNA. Pep Guardiola, Arteta, Luis Enrique and me. This says a lot about us.’
Meanwhile, Xavi insists PSG are favourites to progress to the Champions League semi final, partly due to their decision to sign Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona last summer.
‘We exchanged messages after the draw and said we would see each other in Paris,’ Xavi said of Dembele.
‘I hold him in high esteem, he decided unilaterally to come here [to Paris], it was a challenge for him, and that’s why I think they are favourites. They took away a great player from us in the summer.
‘It’s not a strategy, I genuinely believe it – I think they are the favourites. They took Dembele from us, they have spent much more than us.
‘It’s a team built to win the Champions League, I know them well, they are from Qatar and it’s their main objective. It’s not a strategy, if this frees up the players, great, but I truly believe it.’
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