Spain Manager Luis Enrique Hails Barcelona Duo Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba Following World Cup Performances

Spain Manager Luis Enrique Hails Barcelona Duo Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba Following World Cup Performances

Chukwu Ikechukwu
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:18 PM
In this article:
FIFA World Cup logo
FIFA World Cup
International
  • Spain manager Luis Enrique has praised the quality of Barcelona veterans Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba after their superb performances at the World Cup
  • Alba and Busquets continue to be key parts of the Spanish national team but have copped a lot of criticism while playing for Barcelona in recent times
  • Enrique claims the duo are still performing at an amazing level after featuring in La Roja’s first two group games at the 2022 tournament in Qatar

Spain boss, Luis Enrique believes there is a campaign against the ageing Barcelona duo of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, in a bid to push them out of the Catalan club.

Both Busquets and Alba have been influential members of Enrique’s squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, featuring in La Roja’s first two group games against Costa Rica and Germany.

Luis Enrique, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Qatar 2022, FIFA World Cup, Barcelona
Luis Enrique defended Barcelona duo Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets after Spain's 1-1 draw with Germany at the World Cup. Photo by NurPhoto.
Source: Getty Images

According to Barca Universal, Enrique claims both players are still performing at the highest level and is of the opinion that there is a campaign against the veteran stars from some sections of supporters.

“Alba is a player at the highest level like Busquets; there is a campaign against them and that’s normal because people are tired of veterans.

Exciting feature: Check out news exactly for YOU ➡️ find "Recommended for you" block and enjoy!

Enrique explained he had brought the duo into the squad for their experience and skill, calling Alba the best full-back in the world in the final third of the pitch.

Both Spanish stars are in the final stages of their contracts with Barcelona. Busquets' deal is set to run out at the end of the season, while Alba’s contract expires in 2024.

Enrique uncomfortable with Spain’s ease

Meanwhile, Enrique believes things were going too well for Spain at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, following La Roja’s opening day 7-0 victory against Costa Rica, Football Espana reports.

Enrique revealed it was almost an uncomfortable situation finding an angle to work on, after such a comprehensive victory.

Spain now stands a very good chance of progressing to the World Cup knockout stages, after earning an impressive 1-1 draw in their second group game against Germany.

Enrique tributes his late daughter

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Enrique paid glowing tribute to his late daughter, after Spain were held to a 1-1 draw against Die Mannschaft.

The former Barcelona manager tragically lost his daughter to cancer in 2019.

After the game against Germany, Enrique took to social media to celebrate what would have been his daughter's 13th birthday.

Authors
Chukwu Ikechukwu photo
Chukwu Ikechukwu
Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a journalist with over 9 years of experience in the Nigerian media industry. He has worked both in Radio (Today FM, Rhythm FM, Wish FM) and Television (Silverbird TV) as a Sports Analyst..
Tags
World