Manchester United and Barcelona played two Champions League finals, in 2009 and 2011. More than a decade has passed and both clubs meet this Thursday in the Europa League for a place in the round of 16. Erik ten Hag believes that both the red devils and the blaugrana will soon be important again in Europe. “We are both in the Europa League and we both have the ambition to be in the Champions League and not just in passing, but leaving our mark. Both clubs needed a reset and I think we are both heading in the right direction. Being able to face each other will help us”, explained the Dutch coach.
Ten Hag has won at the Bernabeu, the Juventus Stadium, at Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund. Besides, he knows what it's like to draw at the Allianz Arena in Munich, at Stamford Bridge and twice at Da Luz against Benfica. But it will be the first time that he visits the Camp Nou. The coach acknowledged that he identifies with the blaugrana identity. “I have played in Spain against Madrid and Valencia. But I like the philosophy of Barcelona, great players have come from here, ”he said, especially because of the inspiration of the figure of Johan Cruyff.
The Dutchman analyzed Barça's improvement with Xavi. "Barcelona is playing the best football in recent years," he stressed, before focusing on his opponent's defensive and possession statistics.
In the Barcelona squad there is a footballer whom Ten Hag knows very well. It treats of Frenkie of Jong, to the that he directed in the Ajax. “Ajax in 2019 was a team that generated a lot of fascination and he was part of that fascination. De Jong has been improving his level here in Spain. It was a pleasure directing him."
In fact, the coach wanted the midfielder to join his project at Old Trafford last summer. "What was missing to convince him?" they asked him. "Don't know. Frenkie is an incredible footballer for any club in the world. He has some unique qualities. If you have him on your team you will be a better team, ”he praised him.
United has a big question as to who will accompany Varane in the center of defense since Lisandro Martínez is suspended. Against Leeds, Ten Hag tested left-back Luke Shaw in the role. “I'm not sure yet. We will have to wait to find out the lineup, ”Shaw said about his chances. Lindelöf or Maguire would be the other options.
