Manchester United have been warned that Barcelona are working harder than ever off the ball, ahead of their upcoming Europa League meeting.
Villarreal boss Quique Setien has described the Blaugrana’s new ethos in glowing terms after his side were beaten by Xavi’s side on Sunday in LaLiga.
“There is something that this Barcelona team has changed a lot, which is without the ball,” he is quoted by Mundo Deportivo as saying.
“The data is there, Barcelona are the team that runs the most without the ball.
“Seems surprising, doesn't it?”
Setien’s comments have been interpreted as a pointed remark given the criticism of his team’s work ethic during his time in charge of Barcelona.
But the Catalans are enjoying a fine season and lead LaLiga after Pedri’s goal downed Villarreal to extend their lead atop the table to 11 points.
Xavi said after the game that striker Robert Lewandowski is the “first defender” in his system, which bears similarities to the esteemed setup of Pep Guardiola’s Camp Nou tenure.
Barcelona host United in the first leg of their Europa League play-off on Thursday.
