Jordi Alba on his past managers, relationship with Xavi, and winning | OneFootball

In a recent interview with Marca, Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba answered a host of questions.

Marca asked the veteran, in his 18th season at the club, which qualities he liked the most about his recent managers.

“Luis Enrique is a leader who represents the group. [Ernesto] Valverde embodied serenity, he’s a very calm man and tactically knowledgeable; Quique Setién is a person who likes to keep the ball and has a very good idea of the game. [Ronald] Koeman is a great coach and a club legend, and then there’s Xavi who is a very methodic manager.”

On Xavi

“Well, it’s not the same being your manager as being your team-mate, but the friendship is still there. At the same time, it is clear that the situation changes when you’re team-mates and when you’re in a professional relationship, but our relationship is still good.”

On winning

The Spanish defender has had a career frequently marked with success and trophies. Marca asked if winning so many titles and so frequently, put victory into perspective for him.

“While it may seem like it is normal, it really isn’t. When you stop winning, you realise how difficult it is and how much effort is needed to win a title. When you win a lot, you forget to give real value to the task of winning a Champions League, league title, or Copa del Rey.”

Barcelona are currently top of the league table, clear of Real Madrid by eight points. Alba gave his opinion on whether his team could be considered favourites to take the title.

“From my experience, I can say there’s still a long way to go in the season, and that Real Madrid will put pressure on until the final matchday. We’ve got a considerable gap between us, but we can’t relax. Winning is in our hands.”

Quique Setién’s Villarreal will host Barça in La Liga on Sunday night.

GSFN | Nicolás Antúnez de Mayolo