Jordi Alba expects Barcelona to beat Real Madrid in the upcoming El Clasico, saying the team’s progress under Hansi Flick has given him confidence. The former Barcelona defender also discussed Vinicius Junior’s absence, Lamine Yamal’s comparisons with Lionel Messi and his choice for the Ballon d’Or.
Speaking to Spanish newspaper AS at an event in Puertomingalvo, Teruel, where he hosted 10 supporters alongside former Real Madrid player Guti, Alba said Barcelona were capable of maintaining their impressive form.
“El Clasico is different from any other match, and it does not matter how the two teams are playing,” Alba said. “I am sure Barcelona are performing excellently, and I have complete confidence that they will continue doing so and win the match. I would be happy if Barcelona won.”
Alba said Barcelona had enjoyed an excellent season so far and hoped they could continue collecting positive results and take all three points against Real Madrid.
He also praised the work being done by Flick, saying the German coach had maintained his footballing ideas while gradually improving them. Alba believes new signings and players promoted from the academy have helped create a competitive squad with plenty of options.
“It is not only about the starting XI; all the players are capable of starting,” he added. “You can see Barcelona enjoying their football, and we, as viewers, enjoy it too.”
Alba on Yamal, Messi and the Ballon d’Or
The former Spain international said comparisons between Yamal and Messi were inevitable when a young player began producing exceptional performances.
“After Leo, a player like Lamine has emerged, so it is natural for these comparisons to be made,” Alba said. “But for me, Leo is the best of all time.”
He added: “At his age, with everything he is producing and the way he plays, he is undoubtedly one of those footballers you enjoy watching.”
When asked who should win the Ballon d’Or, Alba said the race appeared open and difficult to predict this year. He nevertheless selected Messi because of his outstanding season and his performances at the World Cup, while again expressing his admiration for what Yamal was achieving at this early stage of his career.
Vinicius absence a major loss
Alba said Barcelona’s talented attacking players gave him confidence before the match, while acknowledging the importance of Vinicius to Real Madrid.
The Brazilian’s absence represented a major loss, he said, although Real Madrid still had a strong enough squad to compensate.
“He is an extremely dangerous player in one-on-one situations, very quick, and he was always a major threat,” Alba said. “That is why Barcelona did not want to face him too often, because he always produced great performances.”
On whether Vinicius’ absence improved Barcelona’s chances, Alba added: “Some people say it is good for the viewer to see all the players on the pitch, but I always say that having fewer high-quality players in the opposition team makes winning easier.”
Alba also praised Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, although he admitted he did not know him personally. “He is a coach I admire, both for his style of play and his way of communicating,” Alba said. “I think he is a great manager who made all his teams great.”
On the refereeing controversy surrounding El Clasico, Alba said he did not follow every detail of what was happening in Miami. “There are always opinions, and there are always people who see things differently,” he said. “I respect all opinions. Referees do their jobs as well as possible, and we should not question them.”
Asked who he would take to a training camp before El Clasico, Alba first named Sergio Busquets before choosing current Barcelona player Gavi.
