Busquets: 'He Will Be A Great Coach!' Says Luis Enrique
Colaboradores
Former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has heaped praise on Sergio Busquets, predicting a successful coaching career for the legendary midfielder. This comes ahead of a Club World Cup clash between Luis Enrique's Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Miami, managed by Javier Mascherano, where Busquets also plays. The upcoming match has sparked reflections on Luis Enrique's time at Barcelona, particularly his relationship with Mascherano and Busquets.
Luis Enrique's Fond Memories
Luis Enrique reminisced about his time managing both players, stating, "If something was clear to me, it was that Mascherano and Busquets would be good coaches." He shared an anecdote about his first conversation with Mascherano as Barcelona's coach, which took place at the British School of Barcelona, where their daughters attended the same class. At the time, there was uncertainty about Mascherano's future at the club. "I told him he wasn't going anywhere, not even drunk," Luis Enrique revealed, emphasizing his determination to keep the Argentine defender.
He further elaborated on his belief in Busquets' coaching potential: "I have no doubt that Busquets will be a good coach if he wants to be." He considers both Mascherano and Busquets to be natural leaders on the field, possessing the tactical understanding and leadership qualities necessary for success in management.
Facing Former Players
The match against Inter Miami holds special significance for Luis Enrique, as he'll be facing not only Mascherano as the coach but also Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Jordi Alba – all former players he managed at Barcelona. He acknowledges the emotional connection he feels towards these players, saying, "In emotional terms, it's a special game for me."
Respect for Inter Miami's Squad
Despite the players being in the later stages of their careers, Luis Enrique recognizes their enduring quality. "The level and the quality haven't been lost," he warned. He highlighted the importance of pressing Inter Miami effectively and preventing them from controlling possession, emphasizing Busquets' continued influence, Messi's unique ability on the ball, Suárez's goal-scoring prowess, and Jordi Alba's dangerous runs from deep.
- Busquets: "Busquets continues to be the same."
- Messi: "Messi with the ball is unique."
- Suárez: "What a capacity!"
- Jordi Alba: "Jordi Alba entering in depth continues to be the same. The pass from Jordi to Messi we all know but it continues happening every game."
Luis Enrique stressed that his team needs to perform at their best and match Inter Miami's intensity to avoid an easy defeat. His comments reflect a deep respect for his former players and their continued ability to impact the game.
Mascherano's Coaching Acumen
Luis Enrique reiterated his confidence in Mascherano's coaching abilities, stating that he had no doubts about him and Busquets becoming successful coaches. He believes that their understanding of the game and leadership qualities make them well-suited for management roles.
PSG vs. Inter Miami: A Compelling Matchup
The upcoming match between PSG and Inter Miami promises to be a compelling encounter, not only for the tactical battle on the field but also for the emotional connections between the managers and players involved. Luis Enrique's reflections on his time at Barcelona and his praise for Mascherano and Busquets add another layer of intrigue to the game.
South African football fans will be eager to see how these legendary players and managers fare against each other in this Club World Cup clash. The match is a testament to the enduring impact of Barcelona's golden era and the lasting relationships forged within the club.
Will Busquets transition into coaching seamlessly, as Luis Enrique predicts? Only time will tell, but the former Barcelona manager's words certainly carry weight, considering his track record for identifying and developing talent. This match is a showcase for both the present and potentially the future of football management.