Villarreal coach Emery: Xavi will return Barcelona to playing traditions | OneFootball

Villarreal coach Unai Emery believes Xavi will return Barcelona to their playing traditions.

As a player, Xavi's Barcelona had a different style to that which we see in 2021, but the new coach is clearly trying to bring back a possession-based approach.

"Xavi has experienced a Barcelona that dominated, which had a very high possession," Emery said ahead of this weekend's clash.

"They have young players, who are not so well known yet, but who are destined to be the new players who in a few years will define a style and a tremendous history at Barcelona. The coach has given them a boost and increased their motivation.

"I am certain that they want to experience that again with their style. They will want to have the ball and get it back quickly.

"The difference between a good and excellent Barcelona has been the defensive phase, where, with players like Iniesta or Xavi, they did it. If he is able to give that to Barcelona, he will be on the road to excellence."