In a recent interaction with Sofascore (h/t SPORT), Emmanuel Amunike talked about his former club, Barcelona and how they are faring under the leadership of Hansi Flick.
While hailing Barcelona’s current form, Amunike notably heaped praise on former manager Xavi Hernandez for leading Barça during a tough time.
Amunike on Barcelona and Xavi
When asked about Barcelona’s current form, Amunike expressed his delight but highlighted that they didn’t have the best of times in the past three to four years.
“I think they went through tough times over the last two or three seasons, and they were encouraged to get young players out of the academy, give them a lot of responsibility and help them mature so they could push the team and the club forward.
“Barça have been my team, and to see them play with such clear ideas and follow the same path for years is exciting,” he said.
Amunike played for Barcelona between 1996 to 2000, though he only featured in 26 competitive matches for the club.
Talking about Barcelona further, Amunike took a moment to acknowledge the work that was done by Xavi during his time as a manager.
“We must also recognise the work that Xavi has done. In football, people forget easily, but this journey began with Xavi in times of economic hardship.
“It was he, with the support of the club, who had the ability to bring those young players to the team,” he said.
Amunike believes Xavi deserves more praise for his work at Barcelona. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Explaining why he values Xavi’s work so much, Amunike added, “When Xavi arrived at Barça, the team was in the process of restructuring, we have to look at the impact that people have in the long term, and not only in what they achieve in the short term.
“Xavi needs to be respected for what he did and receive recognition; his courage and his faith in those young people must be recognised; Flick is now enjoying the results.”
Amunike on Lamine Yamal
Amunike also talked about Barcelona’s latest sensation, Lamine Yamal.
Even here, the former Nigerian international highlighted the key role Xavi played in handing the youngster his professional debut.
“If Xavi hadn’t had the courage to give him the opportunity, nobody would know him. When you have players with so much talent and you can see what they do day after day, week after week, I think it’s worth betting on young players who, even at 17 years old, can be incredible,” he said.
Finally, Amunike took a moment to heap praise on Yamal as well for capitalising on the opportunity and becoming an example for all other La Masia prospects.
“What Lamine Yamal does with and without the ball is spectacular. I think it’s a great example for the new generations, as it shows that if you’re good and work hard, you can always achieve what you want to be.
“So I think it’s a pleasure to watch him play and make his people happy, making himself happy and bringing value to football,” he concluded.
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