Xavi and Luis Enrique: From Teammates to Rivals in the Champions League

The upcoming clash between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarterfinals marks the first meeting as coaches between former teammates Xavi and Luis Enrique.

Having spent seven years together at Barcelona, both as teammates and with Luis Enrique as coach, Xavi and Lucho now find themselves on opposite sides of the touchline. The duel between PSG and Barcelona will not only test the skills of players like Mbappé and Lewandowski but also the strategic prowess of the two managers.

Their journey together at Barcelona began when Xavi was given his debut by Van Gaal in 1998-99, while Luis Enrique was already a seasoned player. Over the years, they experienced both highs and lows, enduring tough seasons before tasting success with the arrival of Laporta and Ronaldinho.

After eight seasons at Barcelona, Luis Enrique retired, paving the way for Xavi to take on leadership roles under various coaches. However, Lucho returned as coach, leading to contrasting experiences for Xavi in his final season before retiring to Qatar.

Now, Xavi is in his third season as Barcelona’s coach, while Luis Enrique is navigating his debut season with PSG. Both coaches advocate for a possession-based style of play reminiscent of Barcelona’s DNA, making their tactical battle a captivating aspect of the upcoming match.