Barcelona legend weighs in on Real Madrid rivalry ahead of Clasico – ‘We are superior as a team’

The former Barcelona defender also reserved special praise for Raphinha, who has become one of the team’s most important players under Flick this season.

Alba believes the Brazilian forward has improved massively both mentally and tactically since his own departure from the club, especially after struggling initially to fully adapt at Barcelona.

“I think Raphinha has taken a big step forward since I left and since Flick’s arrival. At first, he didn’t have the easiest time of it.

“He struggled to adapt and wasn’t playing as much as he wanted to. Now I see him as motivated, full of confidence and keen to make his mark at the club.”

Attention then shifted toward Barcelona’s young academy generation, with Alba making it clear that he sees La Masia as the biggest reason behind the club’s domestic success this season.

Jordi Alba says Barcelona have better harmony than Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“This is the league of those academy graduates who, in another era, wouldn’t have had the chance to break into the first team so quickly.

“Due to the club’s circumstances, they’re there, performing at a high level. I have to stick up for my own: for me, this is the league of La Masia.”

UCL disappointment

Despite Barcelona’s strong season, Alba admitted that the club’s Champions League disappointment still hurts everyone connected to the team.

Reflecting on the difficulty of winning Europe’s biggest competition, the former defender stated,

“It is very difficult. It’s a competition decided by small details. I speak to people within the club and I can see they’re working hard.

“That Champions League title we all want so much will come soon.”

Finally, Alba also spoke emotionally about Lionel Messi and his departure from Barcelona, admitting that he still believes the club owes the Argentine icon a proper tribute in the future.

“For me, it didn’t end in the best way. It was a real blow. Obviously, Barça has given Leo a lot, but he has given the club so much in return.

“I’d like to see them pay tribute to him. Leo has defined an era,” he concluded.