Former Barcelona defender explains why Flick’s team reminds him of Guardiola’s legendary side: ‘What we didn’t have back then was…’

Former Barcelona defender explains why Flick’s team reminds him of Guardiola’s legendary side: ‘What we didn’t have back then was…’ Barcelona have the quality to beat Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, according to former Blaugrana defender Maxwell, who believes Hansi Flick’s side shares several important characteristics with Pep Guardiola’s legendary team.  Speaking ahead of the meeting at the Parc des Princes , the Brazilian assessed Barcelona’s European ambitions, praised Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, and explained why his time at Camp Nou remains the defining achievement of his career. Maxwell played for Barcelona between 2009 and 2012, experiencing a period in which Guardiola’s team established themselves among the greatest sides in football history.  Having subsequently enjoyed success with PSG, the former left-back is uniquely positioned to assess the two clubs as they pursue Champions League glory. Maxwell sees Guardiola’s influence in Flick’s Barcelona The comparisons between Flick’s Barcelona and Guardiola’s celebrated side are inevitable, particularly given their emphasis on positional play, midfield control and attacking quality.  Maxwell recognises those shared principles, although he also believes the modern game presents different tactical challenges. Maxwell has played for both Barcelona and PSG. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images) Asked whether Flick’s team could be compared with Guardiola’s Barcelona, Maxwell told SPORT : “Their style of play is very similar, based on positional play and creating chances. What we didn’t have back then was the modern game, which has changed enormously since those days. “There are far more transitions, far more intensity. We played with great intensity, because that was what Pep demanded, but I think it’s a bit different today. “ However, the quality of play, the philosophy of creating chances, dominance in midfield, using highly talented players to make a difference… There are many similarities.” Maxwell also retains an emotional attachment to the team he represented during Guardiola’s reign. “For me, in sporting terms, it will always be a success that I’ll never forget. I spent two and a half unforgettable years at Barcelona. “It was a team going through a magical period, a team from which I learnt so much and experienced so much. Having played for Guardiola’s Barça remains the greatest achievement of my life. “Afterwards, I was lucky enough to be part of wonderful teams such as Paris Saint-Germain.  “I developed a great deal as part of the PSG project, but Barça will always hold a special place in my career.” Lamine Yamal and Raphinha give Barcelona reasons to believe Barcelona’s attacking talent is another reason Maxwell believes Flick’s team can compete for the biggest prize in European football.  Yamal, in particular, embodies the creativity and freedom that the former defender has long admired in gifted players. Maxwell has praised Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Asked whether the teenager represents the kind of footballer who enjoys improvising on the pitch, Maxwell explained: “I think he shows a lot of joy when he plays. As a Brazilian, I’ve always seen players enjoying themselves, improvising, coming up with different things. “What Lamine does says a lot about how he feels on the pitch, how he feels within the team and at the club. He shows a lot of joy, improvises a lot, and is very inventive and creative. “For me, yes, he proves to be a player who enjoys his own moment, but above all, he enjoys how the team plays, how Barcelona play, which also allows him to do the things he does.” Maxwell also placed Yamal among the contenders for football’s most prestigious individual award, while acknowledging the difficulty of identifying a clear favourite. “It’s a tricky issue. He’s certainly amongst those in the running for the Ballon d’Or. There are plenty of good players. “There’s a lot of debate because there isn’t one player everyone agrees on, as has been the case on previous occasions. But he certainly is amongst those in contention.” Raphinha has also impressed the former Barcelona defender, particularly with his goalscoring output at the beginning of the season.  Maxwell’s comments highlight how the Brazilian’s influence extends beyond his finishing. “It’s incredible how he’s started the season. The only thing that surprises me is the number of goals he’s scoring. His playing style, his influence, the leadership he’s shown over the last few years… “What he’s been doing is incredible, but scoring goals the way he’s doing now does surprise me a bit.” Maxwell predicts a 50- 50 Champions League contest Despite his affection for Barcelona, Maxwell acknowledged that his relationship with PSG makes the fixture emotionally complicated.  His experience in Paris means he will not approach the contest simply as a Barcelona supporter. Maxwell has refused to pick a winner between PSG and Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Asked which side would receive his emotional backing, he said: “It’s hard to say, because I have a slightly different relationship with PSG. I have a great deal of respect for Barça, and I’m very fond of them. “I’m very fond of them, but obviously I have a different relationship with PSG, because of so many experiences I’ve had at the club.” Maxwell was equally reluctant to give either team an advantage before the match.  Both clubs have become familiar opponents in recent European campaigns, and he believes their current level makes a clear prediction difficult. “I wouldn’t say there’s a clear favourite: these are teams that have faced each other regularly in recent years, they know each other well, and they’re playing very similarly at this stage of the season. I’d say it’s 50-50. “The stadium will be cheering them on as much as possible, but I believe Barça have exactly the strength and ability to beat PSG. And vice versa.” Barcelona’s Champions League chances The former defender also cautioned against drawing firm conclusions about the eventual Champions League winners so early in the campaign, despite the quality both teams have displayed. “They’ve always had a chance of winning it. In recent years we’ve seen some very evenly matched games which, down to the finest details, haven’t gone Barça’s way, but they’ve always been in with a chance. “It’s October, so it’s still very early days, but given the way Barça and PSG are playing, both can dream of winning the Champions League. “At this stage of the Champions League campaign, there are three or four teams that give the impression of fighting right to the end. “But there’s still a lot to be done; there’s plenty of the competition left and much remains to be seen,” he concluded.