Leganes manager opens up on facing Barcelona, Flick, Raphinha, Pedri, Yamal-Messi comparison | OneFootball

Leganes manager Borja Jimenez is confident that his team can pull off another upset against Barcelona when they meet this weekend.

Earlier in the season, Leganes surprised many by beating the Catalan side at Montjuic, and Jimenez believes there’s no reason why they can’t do it again.

“We have that conviction [of beating Barcelona again]. We competed very well against Real Madrid, both in the Cup and at the Bernabeu two weeks ago.

“We also played strongly against Atletico, both away and at home. As you say, we already did it in the first leg, and these kinds of results make you believe that it’s possible,” he told SPORT.

Despite his belief, though, he admitted that Barcelona are possibly the most in-form team in Europe right now, making the challenge even tougher.

Impressed by Flick’s impact

Borja Jimenez is impressed with Flick. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

Jimenez shared his admiration for how quickly Hansi Flick has reshaped the team. “We were surprised by the transformation in such a short time,” he said.

“From the very beginning, you could see a Barça with a clear identity. They’re a very vertical and aggressive team—more so than in previous seasons.”

He pointed to Barcelona’s recent performance against Dortmund, where all three forwards—Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Robert Lewandowski—got on the scoresheet.

“You need a lot of help to stop them. You can’t give them space. They’re world-class players who can beat you in many ways.”

On Raphinha, Jimenez added, “I didn’t expect this level. The coach has found the right spot for him on the pitch.

“He attacks space well and defends aggressively. He, Lamine, and Lewandowski are constantly looking to move forward.”

Comparing Yamal with Messi

Jimenez feels Lamine Yamal’s beginning has been better than Messi’s (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

When asked about Yamal’s potential, Jimenez didn’t shy away from bold comparisons.

“I think Lamine’s start has been better than Messi’s. The start he’s had- probably no one in football history has done it like that.

“I don’t know the data, a little on a visual level from that time and this one, but I think Lamine has been better.

“Hopefully, the future of world football is at the feet of Spanish footballers and if it is Lamine, phenomenal for us.”

The Leganes manager was asked which player he would most like to sign from Barça, and the answer was clear. “Pedri. He makes everyone around him better. He’s got everything a footballer should have.”

Jimenez might admire Barcelona’s quality, but that won’t stop him or his team from believing they can deliver another big result.