Alba puts personal relationship with Lopetegui over football rivalry

CAIRO – 24 October 2018: Barcelona left back, Jordi Alba, defended Real Madrid manager, Julen Lopetegui, against the criticism he faced after his poor start with Real Madrid.

The player, known for insulting Barca’s arch rivals, Real Madrid, revealed that he wants Lopetegui to keep his job.

“I hope he can keep his job, although I didn't like the club that he went to. I hope he stays a long time because he deserves it,” Alba told press on Tuesday.

Alba played under Lopetegui’s command at the Spanish national team between 2016 and 2018 and they both had a great relationship since then.

Alba added “I have a great relationship with him; he helped me a lot personally. He sacrifices himself for every team and I wish him well."

Alba suffered to win a call to the Spanish national team since the appointment of his former manager in Barcelona, Luis Enrique, who had a complicated relationship with Alba since their time together in Barca.

Asked about Lionel Messi’s injury and its effect on the team, Alba said “Hopefully we show our best face, although Messi's absence is very important for us. He makes everyone better and he is a key player.”

Messi and Alba formed a terrific partnership at Barca’s left flank and the left back will miss Messi for the next three weeks.