AS Monaco manager Adi Hutter has expressed his admiration for several key Barcelona players ahead of their UEFA Champions League encounter, Soccernet.football reports.
With Barcelona riding high on a five-match winning streak in La Liga, the Catalans are set to kick off their European campaign against Monaco on Thursday in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
Reflecting on the challenge, Hutter, who has been impressed by Barcelona’s recent form, noted that he watched their 4-1 victory over Girona.
He spoke highly of Barcelona’s stars, particularly Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Dani Olmo, players he is familiar with from his time coaching in the Bundesliga.
“I don’t fear any opponent, but I have a lot of respect for one of the biggest clubs in the world (…). Everyone knows Barcelona. They have Robert Lewandowski up front, who I faced in the Bundesliga,” Hutter said in an interview with MundoDeportivo.
“They also have Lamine Yamal, who scored two goals (on Sunday), with a tremendous left foot, a talented young player, a top player; Dani Olmo, who I also know from the Bundesliga and is top, one of the best in Europe; also Raphinha,” he added.
Despite the daunting task of facing Barcelona, Hutter dismissed the idea of using a man-marking strategy to stop Yamal.
“When I was a player, many of my coaches were in favour of man-marking opponents even when they were going to the toilet. No, seriously, what we want is to stop him as a team, I’m not the kind of coach who orders man-marking,” he explained.
Hutter also commented on the growing influence of German coaches abroad, including Barcelona’s Hansi Flick, alongside figures like Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel.
“Bundesliga is a great league, with quality, one of the best in the world. I wanted to coach abroad, in the French league, which is very different, of a very high quality, quite physical. I am happy to be here,” he said.
Hutter praised Flick for his success with Bayern Munich and highlighted the distinct style Flick has brought to Barcelona.
“Hansi Flick won six or seven titles in one year with Bayern Munich. Coaching the German national team opened the doors for him to Barcelona. Maybe other coaches from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland will also follow our path,” Hutter remarked.
As for Flick’s approach, Hutter noted how Barcelona under his guidance is different from the previous season.
“I know Flick and you can quickly see a style that plays with high lines, aggressively. And that is flexible and presses the opponent high up, something that I also like,” he concluded.
The showdown between Monaco and Barcelona promises to be a tactical battle, with Hutter’s Monaco hoping to carry the momentum from their pre-season victory over the Spanish giants into this crucial European clash.