Barcelona sporting director Jordi Cruyff has reacted to the Europa League draw which sees his two former clubs clash in the play-off round.
Barcelona and Manchester United just happened to be the first two names to be picked out of Monday’s draw in Nyon, Switzerland.
Cruyff, who played for both Barca and United (making 58 appearances under Sir Alex Ferguson), has reflected on the draw and he made note about how the club is on a different path under Erik ten Hag.
Speaking to reporters via Mundo Deportivo, Cruyff said: “It is a spectacular tie for the neutral fan.
“It could be a crossover of the Champions League, two big clubs, with the potential to win everything.
“It is a difficult tie, but we must face it with optimism to pass and go for in this competition.”
Although Barcelona crashed out of the Champions League, Xavi Hernandez has his side placed at the top of La Liga – two points clear of Real Madrid after 13 matches played. It is without question the toughest draw we could have asked for and their manager has been saying the same thing from a Barcelona perspective.
Cruyff also spoke a bit about United, saying: “It is a team with a lot of history. Now they have a new coach, to make a new path. It has a large audience and a stadium that tightens. It’s a big club and we will both do our best [to progress].”
Manchester United without key defender for first-leg
Ten Hag will have to find a way to stop Barcelona without Lisandro Martinez.
The Argentine picked up three bookings in the group stages and has been ruled out of the first-leg due to suspension.
That means we’ll see one of Victor Lindelof or Harry Maguire start at Camp Nou.
