Xavi insists Barcelona would be making their “biggest mistake” if they ever changed philosophy after analysing Luis Enrique’s impact in charge.
Talk of a change to Barca’s playing style has grown since Enrique became Coach in 2014 and subsequently guided the Catalans to five trophies in his first full year at the helm with a more direct approach, while Johan Cruyff’s passing on Thursday provoked further discussion.
However, the midfielder told TheNewArab when asked if the club were heading in a new direction: “No, absolutely not. Changing Barcelona's football philosophy would be extremely difficult.
“And we would be making a huge mistake if we ever consider changing the team's philosophy.
“Johan Cruyff established the team's philosophy 30 years ago and since then it has not changed.
“Every manager has his thoughts on how his team should play, Guardiola reached perfection in his managing and Enrique developed the team according to his way of thinking by relying on Neymar, Suarez and of course Messi.
“The difference is that Barcelona today doesn't need 50 passes to reach the other team's goal and score.
“Thanks to these three players, creating opportunities doesn't require a lot of passes.
“Enrique hasn't changed Barcelona's philosophy, he has evolved the team while holding on to its core philosophy.
“The biggest mistake that could happen to Barcelona would be signing a manager who has his own philosophy that he wants impose on the team. Thanks to this philosophy we have won many titles.”
