Barcelona 'Evolution' since Luis Enrique took over

Umtiti sets sights on El Clasico

Pep Guardiola's tenure in charge of Barcelona is considered the glory days by many Blaugrana fans, yet Samuel Umtiti has admitted to being less than impressed with the coach's tactics.

While a fan of the former midfielder, now at Manchester City, the Azulgrana defender believes it was Guardiola's predecessor who produced the more entertaining spectacle.

"Frank Rijkaard was the coach and I loved watching them play, their style, the way they kept the ball, moved it around. No other team did it like them," said Umtiti to France Football.

"There was an incredible winning culture. The players never seemed satisfied. I almost never missed their matches.

"Then it became less interesting. I said to my friends, 'I love Barcelona's style of play, but when they keep the ball for 10 years, it's as boring as s**t'. After that, Barcelona evolved again."

One constant throughout those periods is Lionel Messi, who was praised by his French colleague for his work in games and on the training ground.

"[Messi] is so at ease on the ball," noted Umtiti. "His talent is innate.

"In training he does the most amazing things, sometimes playing with us all as if we're just cones."