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Jordi Alba claims Barcelona is superior to Real Madrid ahead of El Clasico, highlighting the team's collective performance. He also discussed the impact of Hansi Flick and the arrival of Kylian Mbappe at Madrid.
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Barcelona legend weighs in on Real Madrid rivalry ahead of Clasico â âWe are superior as a teamâ
Former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba has shared his thoughts ahead of the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid, stating that Hansi Flickâs side has one major advantage over their biggest rivals.
Speaking in an interview with La Vanguardia, Alba discussed several important topics surrounding Barcelonaâs season, including the arrival of Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid, the rise of La Masia talents, and the impact Flick has had on the squad.
While comparing both teams ahead of El Clasico, Alba suggested that Barcelona currently function better collectively than Real Madrid despite the enormous talent available in Madridâs squad.
âHere, the atmosphere and the expectations that arise when a player of MbappĂ©âs calibre arrives have an influence. But I believe that football today is, above all, about being a team.
âIn that sense, Barcelona are superior: they play as a team, everyone defends, everyone attacks. And, whatâs more, they enjoy playing together.â
Jordi Alba stated that Barcelona currently functions better as a team than Real Madrid.
Hansi Flick has had a significant impact on Barcelona's squad, contributing to their improved collective performance.
Kylian Mbappe's arrival at Real Madrid adds significant talent to their squad, but Alba believes Barcelona's teamwork gives them an edge.
The next El Clasico match is scheduled soon, but the exact date is not specified in the provided information.
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The former Barcelona defender also reserved special praise for Raphinha, who has become one of the teamâs 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.
âI think Raphinha has taken a big step forward since I left and since Flickâs arrival. At first, he didnât have the easiest time of it.
âHe struggled to adapt and wasnât 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.â
Attention then shifted toward Barcelonaâs young academy generation, with Alba making it clear that he sees La Masia as the biggest reason behind the clubâs domestic success this season.
Jordi Alba says Barcelona have better harmony than Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
âThis is the league of those academy graduates who, in another era, wouldnât have had the chance to break into the first team so quickly.
âDue to the clubâs circumstances, theyâre there, performing at a high level. I have to stick up for my own: for me, this is the league of La Masia.â
Despite Barcelonaâs strong season, Alba admitted that the clubâs Champions League disappointment still hurts everyone connected to the team.
Reflecting on the difficulty of winning Europeâs biggest competition, the former defender stated,
âIt is very difficult. Itâs a competition decided by small details. I speak to people within the club and I can see theyâre working hard.
âThat Champions League title we all want so much will come soon.â
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.
âFor me, it didnât 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.
âIâd like to see them pay tribute to him. Leo has defined an era,â he concluded.