Foot Africa
·4. September 2025
Mauricio Pochettino strongly criticizes Barcelona: What did the Argentine say?

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Yahoo sportsFoot Africa
·4. September 2025
Big criticism from a veteran coach.
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The roots of Mauricio Pochettino's enduring rivalry with FC Barcelona run far deeper than a typical sporting competition. They were forged in the heated atmosphere of Barcelona's derbies, where he spent years on both sides of the touchline as a player and later a manager for RCD Espanyol. This tenure at a club famously at odds with its mighty neighbors ingrained in him a perspective that continues to color his rhetoric to this day.
Pochettino's allegiance is often illustrated by a particularly bold claim: that it is Espanyol, not the global powerhouse of Barcelona, that is the true representative of the Catalan spirit and identity. From his viewpoint, he has consistently argued that the Blaugrana's overarching policies and philosophy are fundamentally flawed, a sentiment born from the intense pride and underdog mentality cultivated at his former club.
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, the Argentine coach criticized Barcelona's traditions and the way the club is run.
I believe Espanyol is a much more independent club and much more Catalan than Barcelona. I always try to explain this, and no one should take offense. They say that Barcelona is 'more than a club.' What does that mean? That children should be raised with certain ideas? I think Barcelona is mistaken in this regard. Every team has its own culture, and Barcelona is a great club.
Mauricio stated.
But I don't share what they want to impose on me or sell to the people. The phrase: 'I'd rather go work on my farm in Argentina than coach Barcelona'? That still stands, doesn't it? My identification with Espanyol is absolute. People always say to me: 'Let's see, if one day Barça offers you a job, let's see what you say.' I can say that I will not coach Barcelona.
Mauricio concluded.