Jordi Alba talks Messi, Xavi, Busquets, Enrique, Balde, Pedri, Gavi, future

In a recent interview with The Athletic, Barcelona defender Jordi Alba has offered his thoughts on Lionel Messi, expressing his desire to see the Argentine return to Camp Nou.

Alba, though, also highlighted the fact that it will be difficult for Barcelona to go through with the operation to sign Messi. “I don’t know what will happen with Messi, but his return would be positive for us, although it is difficult,” he said.

Similar words were echoed by La Liga president Javier Tebas, when he too, admitted his desire to see Messi return to the Spanish top-flight.

Apart from Messi, Alba talked about various other topics including his relationship with former coach Luis Enrique. “Luis Enrique is the best manager I’ve ever had. Apart from being a great coach, he is a person who tells you things to your face,” he said. “I like that a lot.”

Meanwhile, Alba talked about his own teammates as well, hailing Pedri as his ‘favourite player’ and Sergio Busquets his ‘best friend’. He revealed how he, Busquets and Sergi Roberto grew up together in the same environment and how it was important for him to settle into the surroundings.

“We all three have been at Barcelona since we were very small,” Alba said. “It is important to have people who know how the club works, how the ‘entorno’ (the environment around Barca) works.”

“When I was younger I was fortunate to have veteran teammates who helped me so much. I try now to make all the youngsters realise what it means to play for Barcelona. So they feel comfortable, at their best, on and off the pitch,” he added.

Despite being one of the most experienced players in the team, there is no doubt Alba has struggled to gain regular minutes this season, due to the rapid prominence of Alejandro Balde.

But it is Alba himself who has played a key role in helping Balde develop. “I try to help Balde in all I can, to give him concepts, as he plays in my position. I have been in the first team a lot longer. It is important that the youngsters listen and try to learn from those with more experience,” he said about Balde.

“Gavi reminds me a lot of me when I was younger. He has a strong temperament, but he is fundamental for the system of play and also for his battling spirit,” he added.

Alba talked about Barcelona’s prospects of winning La Liga this season, adding, “The team is having a good season. We have to keep on this line — nothing is decided yet but it is very favourable for us.”

“It would be a very important trophy for the players, for the younger players and the veterans. We have won a lot, but we still want to win more trophies for Barcelona. It would be a huge joy for everyone,” he added.

Jordi Alba went on to praise Xavi Hernandez, revealing his good relationship with the Barcelona coach, who has done well to transform the team.

“It is a team doing what (Xavi) liked as a player. A team which presses high, and has as much of the ball as possible. I believe he is doing good work,” he said.

“There is a good relationship. We had good moments together as teammates, but in the end, the relationship between coach and player is the same as with every coach I have had over my career. It is not different at all.”

There were rumours of Alba’s potential exit at the end of the season, even though his contract does not expire until 2024. The defender, though, has confirmed he will be staying at Camp Nou beyond the summer.

“I see myself here next year. I have not thought about anything other than continuing to play here for Barca and to keep winning trophies. I can still give a lot more when I am playing. When not, I can help my teammates, which is what I am doing at the moment. And that is important,” he said.