As Spain seeks World Cup glory in Qatar, Jordi Alba has dubbed Luis Enrique “the best coach in the world.”
Alba collaborated with Luis Enrique at Barcelona between 2014 and 2017, before the latter left to become La Roja coach.
The former Real Madrid and Barcelona midfielder left his position in 2019 due to family obligations before returning the following year and leading Spain to the Euro 2020 semi-finals.
A second-place finish in the 2020-21 Nations League enhanced Luis Enrique’s resume, which Alba believes is the right man to lead Spain in the Middle East at the World Cup, which begins next Sunday..
“I recognize him from Barcelona. “He is a direct person who has a lot of trust in the players,” the Barcelona left-back told Mundo Deportivo.
“He is, in my opinion, the best coach in the world,” I have always said. Not only on the football field, but also in life.
“He is very close and assists all of his teammates, which is important for all of the players and for me.” He has a lot of character. He captures his idea, and all of the players are moving in the same direction.
“It’s something very difficult, and he’s done it in every team he’s been on.” We all listen to what he says. He is the best at it..
Alba, Sergi Roberto, Gerard Pique, and Sergio Busquets are said to have taken significant pay cuts to help ease Barcelona’s financial woes after Lionel Messi leaves in August 2021.
The Spain left-back reaffirmed his commitment to Barcelona, outlining his plans to stay at Camp Nou when his contract expires in 2024.
“As far as I’m concerned, I feel qualified to stay here for a long time,” he added. “I think I’m doing well when I’m playing, and when I’m not playing, I’ll support my teammates and try to help the younger ones as much as I can..
“I want to keep up my good work. I’ve lived in Barcelona for several years and intend to stay. To be honest, I never received an offer from that club or any other.
“I was aware of the coach’s opinion, who was relying on me. For many years, there has been speculation that I could go on loan or sign with another club. But I’ve always intended to stay here.
“Throughout these years, I have worked hard for this club, and whether things turn out for the better or for the worse, that will continue to be my intention until the end of the season and everything that remains on my contract..
Barca signed Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Jules Kounde ahead of the 2022-23 season, but were eliminated at the Champions League group stage for the second time in three seasons.
Xavi’s side enter the World Cup break two points ahead of Real Madrid atop LaLiga, and Alba hopes to repay the Blaugrana faithful’s faith.
“This year, we did not qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League and are in the Europa League, but the people have stuck with the players, which is very important,” he said.
“We must now attempt to return it in the form of titles. The relationship with the fans has always been fantastic.”
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