Lionel Messi believes Barcelona have become a more aggressive attacking force under current head coach Luis Enrique than they were under Pep Guardiola.
The mercurial Messi was speaking ahead of this week’s Champions League tussle with Guardiola’s Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Messi netted a hat-trick when Barcelona defeated Man City 4-0 in the Camp Nou two weeks ago and he has been highlighting the difference in styles under his current and former bosses.
The Argentine says Barcelona’s style of football is no secret, but he feels they are now better equipped to hurt opposition with swift counter attacks. “In reality, the system of Barcelona is something that everyone knows,” Messi said.
“I can say we are one of the few clubs that have it, but each boss has different things and applies them as he sees fit.
“We have not noticed massive changes but, yes, some – in that with Luis maybe now we are a bit more aggressive when we attack at speed, while with Pep we used counter-attack less.”
Barcelona have made a perfect start to their Champions League campaign, winning all three games so far while netting 13 goals.
Victory over Man City would all but secure top spot in Group C for the Spanish champions and Messi is confident they can achieve their goal despite influential midfielder Andres Iniesta missing out through injury.
“Missing Andres is something you always notice as far as I can tell – for how he is as a player and what he creates on the field of play,” Messi added.
“But we are in good shape and we are coming very confident.” Barcelona are 2.50 to defeat Man City on Tuesday. The home side are 2.80 while the draw is 3.50.
Leave a comment
Link Dafabet