Thierry Henry believes the only footballing figure with a “brain” like Xavi Hernandez is Pep Guardiola.
During his playing career, the Barcelona boss was viewed as one of the most intelligent players to have ever graced the game.
However, the same can be said about Pep Guardiola, especially during his time as a manager, who seems to view the game unlike arguably any other coach the game has ever seen, keeping his enviable success aside.
Thierry Henry says “the only guy” with a “brain” like Xavi is Pep Guardiola
So much so that Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney admitted that he would happily work alongside the Manchester City tactician as an assistant coach.
In November, Andy Townsend claimed that the £378,846-a-week manager is the greatest coach in the history of the game, as he believes he has created his very own style of play.
After Barcelona’s 1-1 draw against Napoli in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16, Thierry Henry told Xavi that only Pep Guardiola has a footballing brain like he does.
“I hope you’re going to carry on because your brain, for me, is second to none. The only guy that I know is up there with you is Pep [Guardiola] in terms of how you see the game”, he told the La Liga-winning manager during an interview with CBS Sports.
Pep Guardiola would likely feel honoured
In our view, Pep Guardiola would likely feel honoured to be named in the same breath as Xavi by Thierry Henry when it comes to how he views the game.
Having coached the World Cup winner at Barcelona, Guardiola, of all people needs no reminding of just how bright the 44-year-old was a player.
Despite not being athletically gifted in the slightest, Xavi’s understanding of space and the tempo of a game was second to none.
The same can be said about Pep Guardiola, both as a player and a manager which is why his sides tend to dominate proceedings wherever he has managed during his career.
