Xavi Hails Erik Ten Hag Ahead Of Barcelona Clash With Man Utd

Barcelona coach Xavi has praised Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag for reversing the situation at Old Trafford.

Xavi spoke highly of the former Ajax boss while previewing Barca's first-leg Europa League knockout round play-offs against United on Thursday.

"Ten Hag is a great coach. In my mind, I believe that somehow [reversing] the situation of United was no easy task and he's accomplishing it," said the former Barcelona midfielder.

"They are excited again, the club, the fanbase and also the way they play does a lot. 

"He changes things offensively, defensively, everyone's working very well, so it's a tough rival for us and he's a very interesting coach."

He added: "In my mind, he does great things - you know, variants of the line of three, the side players go inside, a lot of people go into the offence. 

"He's an offensive coach, I believe, and he proves that in most of his games. 

"I believe he's a reference for offensive coaches who like this kind of football."