Paco Jemez isn’t expecting any favours when Rayo Vallecano host Barcelona despite much praise sent his way from Catalonia.
Both Xavi Hernandez and Luis Enrique have spoken warmly about Jemez and his Rayo side in the build-up to Saturday’s game, praising both the Coach and his style of play, with Jemez returning the compliment.
“I’m pleased that my friend [Enrique] is one of the best Coaches in the world,” he said, AS reports.
“For me Xavi remains a benchmark of how to play football and how I understand it. He’s in a situation that everyone reaches eventually but he’s handling it with dignity, pride and professionalism.
“As a Coach it makes me proud to hear what Xavi says about my team. It’s the little details that make it worthwhile.”
Jemez added that despite Barca looking favourably on Rayo, he knows it will be a difficult game – but he still has high expectations.
“I always expect my team to give their best and to win,” he revealed.
“But Barca won’t give anything away. The proof is that last year we kept the ball from them but they beat us anyway.”
