Jordi Alba opens up on Messi, Xavi, Griezmann, Lamine, Flick, Barcelona exit and Liverpool heartbreak | OneFootball

Jordi Alba has revisited some of the defining moments of his Barcelona career, opening up about everything from his partnership with Lionel Messi to the painful Champions League collapse against Liverpool and his eventual departure from the club.

Speaking on the podcast ‘El camino de Mario’, the former Barcelona captain reflected on the highs and lows of a career that brought him multiple trophies, unforgettable memories and a place among the greatest full-backs in the club’s history.

The Spaniard discussed several former teammates and coaches, but reserved particularly high praise for Luis Enrique, a manager he considers one of the key figures behind Barcelona’s success during that era.

“Luis Enrique is the best. He gets everyone pulling in the same direction, whether they’re playing or not, and that’s the hardest thing to achieve.”

Alba also shed light on his famous understanding with Lionel Messi, a connection that produced countless goals and assists over the years.

“It was always the same move, but it was very tricky because Leo’s timing was spectacular.”

Liverpool heartbreak and difficult moments

Jordi Alba reflected on the painful defeat against Liverpool. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Among all the memories discussed during the interview, none appeared more painful than Barcelona’s dramatic collapse against Liverpool in the 2018/19 Champions League semi-finals.

The former defender admitted that the defeat at Anfield remains the lowest point of his football career and revealed how deeply it affected him both professionally and personally.

“The worst night was the one in Liverpool. That picture they published… I wasn’t crying at half-time; I was feeling unwell. 

“I made the mistake on the first goal. We were 3-0 up from the first leg… it couldn’t have slipped away from us.”

Despite the heartbreak, Alba remains convinced that Barcelona would have gone all the way had they reached the final.

“I’m sure that if we’d reached the final, we would have won that Champions League.”

Meanwhile, the emotional scars lasted long after the final whistle at Anfield.

“After being knocked out in Liverpool, it took me ages to leave the house. It was a very tough time for the club and for me.”

Griezmann’s struggles and financial difficulties

The former Barcelona captain also touched on Antoine Griezmann’s struggles at Camp Nou and why adapting to the club can be far more complicated than many people realise.

“There are players who don’t adapt to Barça in the best way. He then returned to Atleti and was back to his old self. 

Alba opened up on Griezmann’s struggles. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“At Barça, the demands are immense. It’s not just about winning. You have to play well too.”

Alba additionally addressed the controversy surrounding player wages during the club’s financial crisis and defended the role played by the dressing-room leaders at the time.

“We captains deferred our wages and stopped being paid of our own accord. 

“A lot of lies were leaked to hurt us. It seemed as though we captains were to blame for the club’s woes.”

On Xavi and his Barcelona exit

Alba also came to the defence of former manager Xavi Hernandez, who took charge during one of the most turbulent periods in the club’s recent history.

Speaking about his former teammate, Alba said, “Xavi came in at a very difficult time for the club. He did quite well.”

The former full-back also recalled the difficult circumstances surrounding his departure from Barcelona, revealing how close he came to being forced into a move before eventually terminating his contract.

“There was one day left before the transfer window closed, and I was told I had to go out on loan to Inter Miami. 

“Without any warning, with the children already enrolled at school… it was a tough time.”

He then revealed how his move to the United States eventually came together.

Jordi Alba looked back at his Barcelona departure. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“I terminated my contract with Barça with nothing to show for it. I went on holiday with Busquets, and he had already decided to join Inter Miami.

“In Ibiza, I met with Jorge Mas, the club’s owner, and he convinced me quickly. At that point, we still knew nothing about Messi.”

On Lamine and Flick

No conversation about Barcelona would be complete without discussing Lionel Messi, and Alba once again made his admiration for his former teammate crystal clear.

When asked about comparisons between Messi and Lamine Yamal, he responded:

“Lamine is having a great season, but I don’t think you can compare Messi to anyone else. He’s the best of all time. 

“The best thing about Messi is that he’s never compared himself to anyone else.”

Alba concluded by praising the current Barcelona project under Hansi Flick, a team he believes has restored excitement around the club.

“I love Flick’s Barça. It’s been a real turning point.”

Source: SPORT