Luis Enrique has defended his decision to continue with Barça duo Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba after the 1-1 draw between Germany and Spain.
Busquets, 34, and Alba, 33, have been criticized by sections of the Spanish media, who say both players are past their prime and should take a back seat in favor of younger talent.
However, they were back in Spain’s starting XI against Germany and Alba set up Alvaro Morata’s opening goal with a powerful cross. Busquets wasn’t that convincing in midfield, but he was at least able to assert himself more often against Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Ilkay Gündogan.
After the game, Enrique spoke to the media about what he considers a ‘campaign’ against the two, suggesting that the two Barça stars continue to be important parts of an otherwise young Spanish side.
“Alba is a player of the highest level – just like Busquets. There is a campaign against them but that’s normal because people are tired of the veterans,” explained Enrique. “I bring them to the national team because they are great players. Alba is the best full-back in the world in the last third of the field.”
Enrique values both players so much that he admitted he wants to persuade both to stay with the national team until the 2026 World Cup, which will be played in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“Alba is like Busquets, they’ve been trying to oust them for many years,” he added. “I hope we can convince them to go ahead and play another World Cup.”
Enrique’s plans might be a bit fanciful considering Alba will be 37 by the next World Cup, but he showed against Germany he still has elements of his game that can worry even top opponents .
As for Busquets, he appears to have taken on a mentoring role for young Barcelona colleagues Gavi and Pedri, developing a telepathic relationship similar to the one he had with Xavi and Andres Iniesta for years.
This article was originally published on 90min.de as “There is a campaign against them” – Luis Enrique defends Barça duo.
