Genoa defender Nicolas Burdisso has called Luis Enrique a leader who had no dressing room favourites in his time at Roma.
Burdisso [pictured, right] spent 12 months under the current Barcelona boss during his ill-fated year in charge at the Stadio Olimpico in the 2011-12 season, when the Serie A outfit failed to qualify for European competition, but the experienced Argentine international says he admired Enrique’s thoroughness and relentless pursuit of perfection.
“He’s a leader who had no favourites and treated everyone equal,” revealed Burdisso in an interview with Marca.
“He liked dialogue, both collectively and individually, and talked a lot, particularly with me, [Francesco] Totti…that, obviously, clashed in Rome, but it is a philosophy that deserves respect because it has worked.
“Besides, at Barcelona it will be easier to apply because they are all great players.”
The 33-year-old said Enrique prepared well for matches and was surprised he was not a success in Italian football.
“He paid great attention to detail and was always watching the opposition. He’s a perfectionist who is meticulous, but I think he didn’t get the respect he deserved because he’s young and was in a new place. He was also foreign.
“However, it’s impossible to speak ill of him and nobody at Roma did that. He’s an absolute innovator who arrived at a time when the club was in a process of change, with new leadership, young signings and some veterans.”
Even so, Burdisso believes Enrique made a lasting impression in Italy and is backing him to be a success with Barcelona.
“When he was here we started to play from the back, with one-on-one actions, and took risks. In Italy they didn’t do that before.
“Luis Enrique was key in that developing in Calcio, particularly with Antonio Conte’s Juventus, who also started to play the ball out of defence.
“At Barcelona I think he’ll do well. Let’s not forget that up until the Real Madrid game they had not conceded any goals.
“Very soon we will see the best of Barca,” he concluded.