Xavi Hernández broke the silence. During an event organized in New York for the 2026 World Cup, the former FC Barcelona coach spoke on Luis Enrique, his former teammate who became a rival on the benches. A message that speaks volumes about the complex relationship between these two figures of Spanish football, made of admiration, respect and friendly competition.
Xavi's supported praise for Luis Enrique
Xavi's words leave no room for doubt: “A leading coach, who did an excellent job at Barça. We won the hat -trick with him, playing very well. A demanding coach, obsessed with work, who pushes you to give the best, who motivates you … One of the best of the last ten years. »» A supported praise which testifies to the sincere admiration of the Catalan for the one who led him during the 2014-2015 season.
This message comes after the historic quadruple made by Luis Enrique with PSG last season, including the Champions League. Xavi, who had faced his former mentor in the quarterfinals of C1, recognizes Luis Enrique's ability to make his teams shine:
“He pushes you to give the best. »» A recognition which contrasts with certain spikes exchanged before their duels, when Lucho declared “Do not know Xavi as a coach. »»
A relationship forged in success
This public declaration reveals the depth of the link between the two men. Teammates at Barça from 1998 to 2004, then duo trainer-captain during the 2015 triple, Xavi and Luis Enrique share a rich story despite their opposite personalities. The first, calm and measured; The second, fiery and intense.
Today rivals on the benches, they continue to follow each other with interest. This public admiration of Xavi confirms that beyond the sports competition, mutual respect remains intact. A fine example of fair play between two legends of Spanish football.
