FC Barcelona have been fortunate to have been lucky enough to be coached by some of the very best and most influences coaches to have ever graced the beautiful game through their vision of football and their style of play, each having left their mark on the long and proud history of the Catalan club.
Several of these coaches continue to be active today as well. While Xavi Hernandez aspires to join that exclusive pedestal of coaching greats at Barcelona, the likes of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and now Luis Enrique at Paris Saint-Germain continue to showcase their elite tactical minds elsewhere as well.
In a scenario involving the latter however, according to Spanish outlet SPORT, the Spaniard was an impactful influence in the departure of French winger Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona to Ligue 1 outfit PSG.
Following his arrival, the former Barcelona winger said positive things regarding his new coach’s influence and his particular style of play, stating:
“I like his playing style, his obsession with possession and offensive play; it fits me perfectly. I like the project.”
As well as further stating:
“It’s crucial for a player to have the coach’s confidence. Luis Enrique convinced me, he explained PSG’s project, and I liked it.”
However, according to both SPORT and the player’s entourage, the former Barcelona coach’s words were impactful but were not the decisive factor in the arrival of the French winger at PSG.
Having now begun to complete his regular training sessions with his new team, the 26-year-old could officially be beyond his time at Barcelona as he looks to possibly even start against Toulouse on Saturday.
